The Queen re-opens BBC Broadcasting House

Televisionpoint.com Correspondent
Her Majesty The Queen has visited BBC Broadcasting House to mark the 80th anniversary of the granting of the Corporation's Royal Charter. The Queen officially re-opened the original Broadcasting House in Portland Place, which had recently been refurbished as a part of a redevelopment of the site.

At a reception held in the Council Chamber, The Queen also met Chris Evans, Sir Clement Freud, Richard Briers CBE, David Jacobs CBE, Paul Merton, Nicholas Parsons OBE, Prunella Scales CBE, June Whitfield CBE and Timothy West CBE.

After meeting The Queen, Radio 2's Terry Wogan said: "She was a 'Togg' which I'm very proud of. She was probably trying to butter me up.

"We had a good chat but John Humphrys kept interrupting as usual. She asked me how long I'd actually been at the BBC; I said I'd never worked there, but then admitted I've been here for 40 years.

"I actually met her three times today - I met her in the line-up in reception and then I met her in the council chamber with Sir Timothy West, and then I was shoved into a crowd of Radio 4 people in a line-up, and I told her that I thought she could have too much of a good thing - and I think she agreed!"

Radio 1 DJ, Chris Moyles, said: "I had such a weird morning - we had Take That singing live on the programme this morning. I then met The Queen - what am I going to do tonight? Maybe I'll go skydiving or take Wogan out for a drink."

Jason Mitchell, from Radio 1Xtra, said: "She has soft and squidgy hands. My mum's brought me up well so it was nice. We had a 30 second chat and I couldn't believe it when she said, 'You two are the new ones, aren't you?' I couldn't believe she was so up on her stuff - and it proved she knows what is going on in the BBC and the digital radio."

Sonia Deol, from BBC Asian Network, said: "I asked The Queen what she wanted for her birthday. She said 'Ooh, I don't really think I want anything, just a sunshiney day tomorrow'. I was hoping she might say an iPod but she just wants a sunny day! I was standing next to Chris Moyles in the line-up and we both remember The Queen laughing at a joke Chris had made although he couldn't remember what he had actually said. However, my favourite moment was whilst I was standing next to Jo Whiley and Chris Evans in the reception in the Council Chamber.

"As she was about to leave the room, Chris Evans got her attention and said 'Your majesty, what do you think is the vital ingredient of a good radio show?' and she said 'I don't actually listen to radio that much but I do listen whilst I'm busy doing other things'! That told us! It was a day that we will never forget."

About meeting The Queen at Broadcasting House, Timothy West commented: "Two great British institutions - and it was great that they were brought together today."

Prunella Scales said, "I am very glad she came because two of the things I'm proudest of as a UK citizen is the socialist monarchy and the public broadcasting service like the BBC. We have somebody on the throne who is conscientious and has great skill and energy.

June Whitfield said, "I admire her so much. All week and all day she's been on her feet meeting and greeting. I just hope she has some time to relax on her birthday. It's always a privilege. I'm full of admiration."