visited Buckingham Palace where she was the first of some 160 people to receive awards from the Queen.

The only woman to receive a knighthood at the Investiture, Dame Marjorie Bean occupied the seat nearest to the Queen's withdrawal route and managed to capture her attention.

"She (the Queen) smiled at Dame Marjorie as she exited the ballroom,'' said Dame Marjorie's niece, Mrs. Gloria E. Martin, who was one of several relatives present for the special occasion.

Dame Marjorie's cousin Mrs. Dorothy Porter of New York and friend Mrs. Martin Way of London were also at the Palace on July 19.

In addition to them, four relatives and friends made a special trip to London to support Dame Marjorie.

And while they were not able to attend the Investiture due to limited guest spaces, they stood outside the Palace gates before and after the ceremony.

The guests -- including Dame Marjorie's god-daughter Mrs. Cynthia Holmes of Maryland, cousin Miss Lauretta Bean, sister-in-law Mrs. Alice Bean, and friend Mrs. Rita Richardson, all of Bermuda -- also attended a luncheon for Dame Marjorie at the Ritz Hotel.

Dame Marjorie left for France last Saturday via the Chunnel.

She will visit Portugal, Germany, and return to London on August 18 where she will stay until September 7 when she is due to return home.

FIRST DAME -- Dame Marjorie is pictured outside of Buckingham Palace holding her award presented to her by the Queen.