Party Of The Week: Palace of the stars

After escaping from a blustery walk along the red carpet for the world premiere of The Young Victoria, the blue-blooded guests and acting nobility congregated at Kensington Palace. They then ascended the same stately staircase that Queen Victoria had skipped up more than a century earlier.

Keira Knightley, clad in cream Chanel, accessorised her perfect look with a sharply dressed Rupert Friend (Prince Albert) while the Duchess of York and her daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, created a regal bottleneck as they filed past Queen Victoria's ancient quarters into the Queen's gallery.

Miranda Richardson, surrounded by delighted family members, was in the mood for a party, celebrating her acting accomplishments in the film while also toasting her birthday. Across the room, Keira found herself flanked by avuncular actors including Ben Kingsley and Jim Broadbent.

The film's leading lady Emily Blunt, wearing an off-the-shoulder Vivienne Westwood number, arrived with John Krasinski, an imperiously dressed Gloria Hunniford looked every bit the national institution and Nadja Swarovski dazzled in the company's finest bling. A noble gathering indeed.