A Write Royal Occasion (OK! Magazine)

JACKIE COLLINS ENJOYS HER DAY AT THE PALACE AS SHE IS HONOURED BY THE QUEEN

 REPORT: LAURA BENJAMIN

The racy antics of her characters have captivated millions of readers, but best-selling novelist Jackie Collins was on her best behaviour when she was honoured by the Queen last week.

The 76-year-old was presented with an OBE at Buckingham Palace, having flown in for the ceremony from her California home. Smartly dressed in monochrome jacket and trousers, the author smiled proudly as the Queen pinned the medal to her lapel.

She said afterwards: “My first book was The World is Full of Married Men – banned all over the world. The Queen said, ‘It’s quite something to write books,’ and I said, ‘Yes, especially for a school drop-out.’”

She added: “Coming here is a huge adventure. I’m British through and through and to meet the Queen and come to the palace is great.”

Jackie was accompanied to the ceremony by granddaughters Dylan and India Thain and Chloe Green before heading to a special lunch in nearby Knightsbridge, where they were joined by her actress sister Joan and brother Bill plus famous friends including Sir Michael and Lady Caine.

“Today I went to Buckingham Palace. Met the Queen & received an OBE, order of the British Empire. Fantastic day!!,” she tweeted, adding: “Great lunch after at San Lorenzo with friends & family. So nice to see everyone. And tonight Thanksgiving dinner at my sisters. perfect day!”