WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 17: The Queen sent her best wishes to the people of Bermuda during a private conversation with Premier Paula Cox.

Ms Cox is in London for a meeting Overseas Territories Consultative Council and this year Heads of Government of the Overseas Territories were given special audience with the Queen at Windsor Castle yesterday, the day her grandson Prince William announced his engagement to Kate Middleton.

According to a spokeswoman for Ms Cox “the Premier's discussion with Her Majesty was personal to Bermuda and began with their reflecting on her trip to the Island last year”.

“Her Majesty inquired about last week's visit of HRH the Duchess of Gloucester and the Presentation of Colours to the Bermuda Regiment and was assured the Duchess was warmly received by the residents of our Island.

“The exchange continued with pleasantries that ranged from the Premier's current trip to the UK, the numbers attending the OTCC and a chuckle about Her Majesty's corgis and their lack of affinity for cats. Her Majesty concluded by sending her best wishes for Bermuda and her people,” added the spokeswoman.

Ms Cox said: "It is always a distinct honour to meet Heads of State and our unique relationship with the United Kingdom makes this introduction extra special. I found Her Majesty warm and relaxed and the dress she chose to wear for the meeting, aquamarine and green in colour, reminded one of Bermuda's blue seas.

“I could not help but compliment her on her choice of colours and this brought a ready smile to her face. It indeed was a pleasant exchange and a fine afternoon."

The meetings of the OTCC began in earnest today.