The Nelson Mandela touch charms Her Majesty at Buckingham Palace

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Meeting up with an old friend at Buckingham Palace yesterday he had a ready compliment to pay. 'You look younger every time I see you,' he told the beaming Queen.

The warmth between the former South African president, almost 90, and the monarch, 82, was obvious.

Nice to see you again: Mandela and his wife with the Queen

As they sat down opposite each other, the Queen jokingly told Mr Mandela: 'It's very nice weather, arranged just for you.'

Mr Mandela arrived in Britain on Monday for a visit that celebrates his 90th birthday next month.

Last night he was hosting a star-studded private fund-raising dinner party in Hyde Park with guests from the world of film, music and politics.

Music was expected to be provided by Sir Elton John. Robert de Niro, Will Smith and Denzel Washington were on the guest list, as was talk show queen Oprah Winfrey and Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

Gordon Ramsay prepared food for the event, which was held in a colourful marquee.

Leona Lewis arrived in a pink maxi dress, while Formula One star Lewis Hamilton arrived with Pussycat Dolls singer Nicole Scherzinger on his arm.

The crowning moment of Mr Mandela's visit will be tomorrow night's 90th birthday concert, also in Hyde Park.

It will raise money for his 46664 Aids awareness charity – named after the number he wore while imprisoned.

The event will feature Queen, Leona Lewis and Annie Lennox, along with some surprise 'star' names to be revealed on the night. Mr Mandela, who was accompanied to London by his wife Grace Machel, retired from politics nine years ago, but has continued to campaign around the globe for peace and an end to poverty.