Lunch away from base

BBC Director of Television Danny Cohen had lunch with The Queen yesterday.

He was a guest at one of Her Majesty's regular meet the toffs people luncheons, in the "Semi- State" surroundings of the 1844 Room, in the west wing of Buckingham Palace. (It takes its name from an 1844 visit by Tsar Nicholas 1).

Did Danny get a word or two in ? Other guests (usually fewer than ten) included cricket commentator Henry Blofeld, tv chef James Martin, Vice-Admiral David Steel, second Sea Lord, and vascular surgeon David Nott, Janet Hulme (rhubarb producer) Professor Dame Julia Slingo (Chief Scientist, Met Office) and Moira Wallace (Provost, Oriel College).