Retail met royalty on Monday evening, when the Queen hosted a reception at St James’s Palace to celebrate the 175th anniversary of the Retail Trust.

Her Majesty, who has been patron of the industry charity since 1952, welcomed 700 retailers, ranging from Sir Philip Green and Sir Stuart Rose to store managers and shopfloor workers, including many of those who have been helped by the Trust.

Mosaic chief executive Derek Lovelock, House of Fraser chairman Don McCarthy and Peacocks boss Richard Kirk were other big names among the galaxy of store chiefs presented to Her Majesty and the Duke of Edinburgh.

The Trust provides retirement housing for more than 400 former retailers, and also provides support for people who work in retail through its helpline and financial assistance. Chief executive Nigel Rothband said the charity aims to double both the number of people it assists through the helpline and the number of grants it issues in the next five years.

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