Queen's party coverage; JKR 'sad' to see HP end

The Queen's 80th birthday celebration at Buckingham Palace took place today and a report by CBBC Newsround states that JK Rowling was one of the first stars to arrive. Additionally, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson and Matthew Lewis were in attendance to see the show.

A video of the pre-recorded sketch, featuring Dan, Rupert, Emma and Matt, played during the "Queen's Handbag" performance can be seen here (screencaps here), thanks to reader Nick.

Some images from the event can be seen in our gallery. They include shots of the aforementioned HP cast members as well as JK Rowling reading Book 6 to fans.

At the event, Jo said of Book 7: "I am feeling sad as it is the last one. But so far, so good." Regarding the book's progress, she said: "I'm doing well I think. You can never really tell till you get near the end. I am not quite there yet."

Apparently, JK was "mobbed" by kids but said, unperturbed: "This is the bit I like. I like meeting them."

Update: Jo told The Times at the event that she "always believed children would come back to enjoying books - and that's not just down to me." Harry Potter would have been "a bit fazed" by the event, she said. "But he's quite cool, and I think he would have been impressed."

Posted by Ciaran on Jun 25th | 180 Comments