Queen to host first all-female party

LONDON, Feb. 4 (UPI) -- Britain's Queen Elizabeth has announced she will host Buckingham Palace's first-ever gala for women only, British media report.

Some 200 women from the arts, science, sports, business and charity have been asked to the party March 11, three days after International Women's Day.

"Lunch is more convenient for women because they may have to pick up children in the afternoon," a palace spokeswoman said, adding the queen "has been a working mother most of her adult life and thought this would be an appropriate way to celebrate women and recognize their achievements and contribution."

Among those invited is Cherie Blair, whom The Times of London said "has retained her legal career despite four children and marriage to the prime minister."

Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling, Heather Mills McCartney and Olympic gold medalist Mary Peters will mingle with the likes of Hannah Dadds, who in 1978 became the London's first female subway driver.

Prince Philip won't be banished to his royal chambers though. He will be attending a naval reunion at St. James Palace during the event.