WHEN schoolgirl Grace Brown heard her father’s new café was opening on the day of the Queen’s visit to York, she wrote to the monarch inviting her to pop in for a cuppa.

Now the eight-year-old from Huntington is “chuffed to bits” after receiving a letter back from Buckingham Palace telling her the monarch “greatly appreciated her thoughtful invitation” and was interested to hear about the opening of Society Lounge and Bar in Rougier Street – formerly the nightclub Club Salvation.

The letter, from a lady-in-waiting, said the Queen wished her to write and thank Grace for her letter, and went on to say: “The Queen was interested to hear that your father is opening a café in York on the same day as Her Majesty’s visit, during which she will distribute the Royal Maundy at the service in York Minster.

“It was kind of you to invite the Queen to the new café for a cup of tea but I am afraid it will not be possible for Her Majesty to be with you on this special occasion.

“The Queen greatly appreciated your thoughtful invitation, however, and hopes you will all have a very enjoyable day.”

Grace’s father, Russ, who is a director at the café and bar, said: “Grace is over the moon. She’s chuffed to bits.”