British elite, including the Queen, Prince Charles, Simply Red singer Mick Hucknal, actor Hugh Grant and his glamorous girlfriend Jamima Khan, all converged on a lavish gala hosted by the Italian ambassador at his residence in Mayfair.

Jemima, ex-wife of cricketer Imran Khan and daughter of billionaire Sir James Goldsmith, who once launched her own fashion label «Jemima Khan», arrived at the event in a floor-length gown with diamond earrings. Britain's biggest playboy Grant was elegant in a bow tie and tuxedo.

What caused talks among the guests and journalists was the absence of the Prince's bride, 57-year-old Camilla Parker Bowles. According to Hellomagazine.com, a spokesman said she was too busy with arrangements for the big day which will be April 8. But the suspicion was that her presence at such high-profile event would still be inappropriate. The previous day Italian President Carlo Ciampi had been treated to a state banquet in Buckingham Palace, and Prince Charles also attended it alone.