Kate Middleton and Queen Elizabeth II were on hand to greet a very privileged group of actors at Buckingham Palace on Monday evening (Feb 17th).

The star-studded event, which included Dame Helen Mirren, was to celebrate the Queen's sixtieth year as patron of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and the contribution of the dramatic arts to national life.

The Duchess of Cambridge sported a recycled red Alexander McQueen dress, which she last wore during the Diamond Jubilee, as she welcomed the film and stage stars.

In the famed White Drawing Room the Queen met with British acting giants such as Sir Roger Moore, John Hurt, Ralph Fiennes, Helena Bonham Carter, Alan Bennett and Alan Rickman, and director Steve McQueen.

Hollywood actress Uma Thurman, who was fresh off presenting an award at Sunday's BAFTA's, was also on the ceremony's guest list.

Shortly after meeting the A-List stars, the Queen and Kate, along with the 250 guests, went to the Palace Ballroom to watch several performances, which included 'Oh! What a Lovely War' and 'The Color Purple'.

Dame Helen Mirren, who portrayed the Queen in 2006's biographical drama 'The Queen', received the BAFTA Fellowship on Sunday evening, which was presented to her by Prince William.

The grandson to Queen Elizabeth II said of Mirren, "An extremely talented British actress who I should probably call granny."

This prompted Kate to share a laugh with the 68 year-old actress, as she said to her, "My husband called you granny last night," according to The Telegraph.

Yes that was so sweet," Helen replied.

Mirren won an Academy-Award for Best Actress for her brilliant portrayal of the Queen.

Kate Middleton
Kate Middleton joked with Helen Mirren at Monday's Buckingham Palace ceremony