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London (dpa) - Britain's Queen Elizabeth II Thursday threw a birthday party for "grey power" celebrities including former footballer Sir Bobby Charlton and renowned scientist Stephen Hawking.
The queen, continuing with events marking her 80th birthday on April 21, was keen to chat about the huge sums being paid for football stars, Charlton said after the lunch at Buckingham Palace.
"She asked me about the World Cup and all this money players cost these days", said Sir Bobby, 69.
"I said, 'Unfortunately, ma'am, if you're in the football business you have to have footballers, and it's the market'."
Professor Hawking, 64, showed the queen and Prince Philip the updated technology on his wheelchair and communication system.
Asked afterwards if he had discussed his scientific theories with the queen, he said: "I think she has other things to think about."
Also among the guests were playwright Tom Stoppard, author Frederick Forsyth and artist Rolf Harris, who has painted the queen.
Copyright 2006 dpa Deutsche Presse-Agentur GmbH
