Roger read messages of congratulations from the Queen and others, and had this to say about her: "The words 'national treasure' have been bandied around so many times but Vera really is a national treasure. I feel so privileged to know her, and to be asked tonight to speak at this special occasion about her."
Photos and info are from "Hello" magazine. From the left - comedien Dame Edna Everidge (for those not familiar with "her" he is a man who does a very good comedy spoof of an Australian housewife mega-star.) Next is the birthday girl, and we all know who is standing next to her! Then it's singer Cilla Black, Vera's daughter, Kristina, comedy actress June Whitfield, and comedien Ronnie Corbett.
Incidentally Ronnie appeared with Roger in an episode of "The Saint." He had a small part in "King of the Beggars" as a theatre messenger. He later went on to form a comedy partnership with Ronnie Barker that lasted for around 30 years until the latters death not long ago. They were known as "The Two Ronnies" and were a very well loved and award winning duo. Ronnie Barker also appeared in "The Saint" in the episode "The Better Mousetrap." He played the bungling French policeman assigned to follow Simon. Roger appeared on "The Dame Edna Experience" tv show in the 80's with Dame Edna, where "she" very cheekily interviewed her guests and got away with murder. Roger's show was hilarious.
Roger helps Dame Vera put on a white cliffs of Dover pearl bracelet, created by the Queen's jeweller. Although thrilled with it, she decided it should be auctioned for SOS - Stars Organisation Supporting Cerebral Palsy, the organisers of the event.
Dame Vera is presented with a cheque for £40,000 raised for the charity, of which she has been a president since 1953. Roger and Kristina looking as stunning as ever!
