Those diamonds aren't forever! Former M Judi Dench pays homage to the James Bond as she attends Duke of Edinburgh Awards 60th anniversary party

By Jj Nattrass For Mailonline

Published: 14:48 EST, 9 June 2016 | Updated: 19:55 EST, 9 June 2016

Her steely and cool-witted M met her end in Skyfall, slipping into death whilst cradled in James Bond's arms.

But while she bowed out of the 007 franchise in 2012, Dame Judi Dench is still a huge supporter of the films it would seem if her wardrobe on Thursday night was anything to go by.

Attending the 60th anniversary celebrations of The Duke of Edinburgh's Award at Stoke Park, Buckinghamshire, the actress, 81, sported a subtle diamante design of the iconic 007 symbol.

Scroll down for video 

Still a fan: While she bowed out of the 007 franchise in 2012, Dame Judi Dench is still a huge supporter of the films it would seem if her wardrobe on Thursday night was anything to go by

Still a fan: While she bowed out of the 007 franchise in 2012, Dame Judi Dench is still a huge supporter of the films it would seem if her wardrobe on Thursday night was anything to go by

Those diamonds aren't forever! Attending the 60th anniversary celebrations of The Duke of Edinburgh's Award at Stoke Park, Buckinghamshire, the actress, 81, sported a subtle daimonte design of the iconic 007 symbol

Those diamonds aren't forever! Attending the 60th anniversary celebrations of The Duke of Edinburgh's Award at Stoke Park, Buckinghamshire, the actress, 81, sported a subtle daimonte design of the iconic 007 symbol

Attending a star-studded gala evening, which saw the award's founder Prince Philip himself turn outs, the British icon jazzed up her black tie wardrobe with the tribute to the enduring spy movies.

Possibly taking inspiration from the title of the Sean Connery Bond romp, Diamonds Are Forever, Dame Judy appeared to pay tribute to the spy films and their hold on audiences across the world, with some sparkling diamante crystals.

The gun logo, which is comprised of the spy's handle, 007 - which she starred in for seven consecutive films - was affixed on the back of the Oscar-winning star's shoulder.

Lady in black: Dami Judi looked elegant in her floor-length black gown

Lady in black: Dami Judi looked elegant in her floor-length black gown

Goofing around: Dame Judi shared a laugh with former Bond co-star Colin Salmon (left) and comedian David Walliams

Goofing around: Dame Judi shared a laugh with former Bond co-star Colin Salmon (left) and comedian David Walliams

Suave: Colin played Charles Robinson in three Bond films, while it looked like David may have been auditioning in his white tuxedo jacket

Suave: Colin played Charles Robinson in three Bond films, while it looked like David may have been auditioning in his white tuxedo jacket

And while she may have been more than happy to feature the subtle and cheeky nod to the spy franchise, Dame Judi made sure her wardrobe was appropriate for the event.

Opting for classic flowing black dress, the Yorkshire-born star looked effortlessly graceful and elegant.

Featuring a scooped back neckline and slightly low-cut front, the actress embraced a more summery style whilst straying away from anything to daring or racy.

The Philomena star also sported some more clearly defined diamonds on her necklace, whilst she also accessorised her look with a pair of pearl earrings.

Subtle nod: Possibly taking inspiration from the title of Diamonds Are Forever, Dame Judy appeared to pay tribute to the spy films and their hold on audiences across the world, with some sparkling diamonte crystals

Subtle nod: Possibly taking inspiration from the title of Diamonds Are Forever, Dame Judy appeared to pay tribute to the spy films and their hold on audiences across the world, with some sparkling diamonte crystals

Mingling: Opting for classic flowing black dress, the Yorkshire-born star looked effortlessly graceful and elegant as she attended the event with her partner, David Mills (pictured together with the Countess of Wessex)

Mingling: Opting for classic flowing black dress, the Yorkshire-born star looked effortlessly graceful and elegant as she attended the event with her partner, David Mills (pictured together with the Countess of Wessex)

Here come the girls: Dame Judi was joined by her former Bond co-star Samantha Bond, who played Miss Moneypenny

Here come the girls: Dame Judi was joined by her former Bond co-star Samantha Bond, who played Miss Moneypenny

Dame Judi wore her short silver locks in her trademark pixie cut, whilst she also subtly defined her famous features with a hint of make-up.

She was joined by several of her former Bond co-stars, including Colin Salmon and Samantha Bond, as well the film franchise's producer Barbara Broccoli.

Clearly delighted to be at the event, the actress was greeted with a warm smile by Prince Philip, as she and other guests mingled with the Queen's consort outside the grand mansion.

Other notable guests included the Earl and Countess of Essex, former Bond Sir Rodger Moore, and Joanna Lumley.

On her majesties secret service? Other notable guest included the Earl and Countess of Essex , former Bond Sir Rodger Moore (pictured)

On her majesties secret service? Other notable guest included the Earl and Countess of Essex , former Bond Sir Rodger Moore (pictured)

Flashback: Former Bond girl Maryam D'Abo (who starred in 1987 Bond film The Living Daylights) and Bond producer and screenwriter Michael G Wilson chatted to Dame Judi over champagne

Flashback: Former Bond girl Maryam D'Abo (who starred in 1987 Bond film The Living Daylights) and Bond producer and screenwriter Michael G Wilson chatted to Dame Judi over champagne

Fabulous!  Ab Fab's Joanna Lumley was also in attendance

Fabulous!  Ab Fab's Joanna Lumley was also in attendance

Sixties and Seventies sirens: Former Bond girls Jane (Live And Let Die) and Joanna Lumley (On Her Majesty's Secret Service)

Sixties and Seventies sirens: Former Bond girls Jane (Live And Let Die) and Joanna Lumley (On Her Majesty's Secret Service)

Dame Judi first appeared as M - the head of MI6 - in 1995's Goldeneye, opposite Pierce Brosnan in the role of Bond (also his first outing in the franchise).

She went on to star alongside Pierce in three more films before the actor moved on from the role, and subsequently played the role opposite Daniel Craig in three of his four outings as 007.

Dame Judi full list of James Bond film credits include: Goldeneye, Tomorrow Never Dies (1997), The World Is Not Enough (1999), Die Another Day (2002), Casino Royale (2006), Quantum of Solace (2008), Skyfall (2012), and Spectre (2015).

Garden party: (L-R) Fiona Hawthorne, Colin, Dame Judi, David, Michael G Wilson and David Mills

Garden party: (L-R) Fiona Hawthorne, Colin, Dame Judi, David, Michael G Wilson and David Mills

Catching up: Dame Judi was seen deep in conversation with Bond producer Barbara Broccoli

Catching up: Dame Judi was seen deep in conversation with Bond producer Barbara Broccoli

Long time no see: Colin and Dame Judi last worked together in Die Another Day in 2002

Long time no see: Colin and Dame Judi last worked together in Die Another Day in 2002

The garden with the golden gun: Party organisers had erected a giant 007 logo on the grass

The garden with the golden gun: Party organisers had erected a giant 007 logo on the grass

An icon: Dame Judi first appeared as M - the head of MI6 - in 1995's Goldeneye, opposite Pierce Brosnan in the role of Bond (also his first outing in the franchise), before bowing out in 2012's Skyfall

An icon: Dame Judi first appeared as M - the head of MI6 - in 1995's Goldeneye, opposite Pierce Brosnan in the role of Bond (also his first outing in the franchise), before bowing out in 2012's Skyfall

Comments (46)

Share what you think

 View all

The comments below have not been moderated.

 View all

The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline.

Add your comment

By posting your comment you agree to our house rules.

Who is this week's top commenter? Find out now