A royal meeting

Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty has said that she is keen to put the Celebrity Big Brother race row behind her, as she met Queen Elizabeth II and her husband Prince Philip at a Commonwealth Day event in London. Thirty one-year-old Shilpa, one of the five speakers on the occasion at the Westminster Abbey on Monday evening, touched on issues such as racism and AIDS.

Shilpa, the Big Brother winner, told the congregation that as a child growing up in Mumbai she was acutely aware that 8220;we have to cope with difference on a daily basis 8212; but unless we do, we have no future8221;.

The Queen in her address stressed the need for mutual respect and understanding. 8220;By respecting the difference and promoting understanding, the future will be better one for us all,8221; she told the 2,000-strong congregation. 8220;In today8217;s difficult and sometimes divided world, I believe that it is more important than ever to keep trying to respect and understand each other better,8221; she said.

After her speech, Shilpa met the Queen, when Prince Philip told her 8220;Look, be careful with your heels8221; as she nearly slipped in her high, open-toed sandals.