The beloved actress, who portrays the Dowager Countess of Grantham in Downton Abbey, was among 20 guests invited to the private dinner party.

Others included the Governor of the Bank of England, the Archbishop of Canterbury, journalist and author Christopher de Bellaigue and Iranian architect Bita Ghezelayagh.

Past celebrity guests at the Queen's Easter Court parties have included former couple Tim Burton and Helena Bonham Carter and James Bond Daniel Craig and his actress wife Rachel Weisz.

Dame Maggie was last at Windsor Castle for an investiture ceremony in October (14), when the Queen presented her with a prestigious Order of the Companions of Honour medal.