The Royals arrive for a pre-wedding dinner

In a foretaste of the glamorous outfits promised at today's reception, full length and glittering was the order of the evening. The Queen was present to greet her opposite numbers from Greece, Luxembourg, Denmark and across Europe. Queen Sofia of Spain was characteristically elegant in strapless grey silk, while Sophie, Countess of Wessex wore ankle length scarlet. Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice arrived together, with the latter pulling out all the sartorial stops in a Rachel Gilbert thickly embellished silver and white one shouldered gown. The Australian designer immediately made a statement, exclaiming "words can't describe how thrilled I am that Princess Beatrice chose to wear on of my dresses to such a monumental event in history". Prince Charles and Camilla were present only at the initial drinks reception, choosing to dine privately with William and Harry.