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The weather may have been dreary in London but the Queen was dressed for summer as she welcomed entrepreneurs into her home on Tuesday night.

The monarch looked cheery in a mint green dress emblazoned with yellow and pink flowers as she and Prince Philip welcomed businessmen and women to Buckingham Palace at a reception for winners of The Queen's Awards for Enterprise.

The Queen's beloved dogs could be in for a treat after one winner of the Queen's Awards for Enterprise promised to send them a taste of his company's pet chews.

The Queen was on top form as she and Prince Philip welcomed businessmen and women to Buckingham Palace at a reception for winners of The Queen's Awards for Enterprise

The offer was made as the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh joined business leaders at a Buckingham Palace reception on Tuesday.

Tony Raeburn's Blackburn-based firm was among more than 150 to be recognised for its contribution to business in the UK, having exported its range of nylon 'TastyBones' to 29 countries around the world.

'I'm going to send some down for the corgis,' he said after meeting the Queen.

'It was fantastic. We had a long conversation. I think she was quite interested in what we are doing.'

The awards were created in the Queen's name in 1965 and have since celebrated the achievements of almost 7,000 recipients.

Prince Phlip was on fine form and cracked a few jokes as he welcomed entrepreneurs into their home on Tuesday night

The Queen stuck to water ahead of a busy few days with the Spanish royals this week. The Queen will welcome the couple tomorrow 

The Queen hosted a reception for winners of The Queen's Awards for Enterprise, at Buckingham Palace. The awards were created in 1965 and have celebrated the achievements of almost 7,000 recipients

This year's 176 winning businesses, announced on the Queen's 91st birthday in April, are recognised for excellence in international trade (102 firms), innovation (57) and sustainable development (11).

A further six businesses were awarded the Queen's Award for promoting opportunity through social mobility, to recognise the work of initiatives that specifically support people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

This year's businesses are from a wide variety of sectors, with work ranging from pioneering healthcare and green energy solutions to digital marketing and laser technology.

A company that supplies hairbrushes to the Royal Family was among the winners.

GB Kent & Sons chairman and managing director Alan Cosby said: 'She knows our products,' while export sales manager Mac Magdenovic described her as 'absolutely delightful'.

Scott Davidson, whose Scotland-based company Glencairn Crystal Studio makes crystal glassware, said he was 'absolutely delighted' to meet the Queen, who he described as 'an icon'.

He added: 'We just talked about our little business. I'm sure she likes whisky, too.'

An emotional Edward Milbourne, whose pet food company was also recognised, described the award as the 'high point of my career'.

This year's businesses are from a wide variety of sectors, with work ranging from pioneering healthcare and green energy solutions to digital marketing and laser technology

Queen Elizabeth meets Yusuff Ali Musaliam from Y International (UK) Ltd, during a reception for winners of The Queen's Awards for Enterprise

He added: 'I have been all over the world, I have done everything there is to do in life, but that was amazing.'

Recipients can display the Queen's Awards emblem for five years.

Small business minister Margot James said: 'It's great to see a wealth of UK business talent being recognised and celebrated today.

'Over 85% of this year's Queen's Award winners are small businesses and this is testament to the fundamental role they play in growing our economy.

'I'd encourage businesses of all sizes to apply for these prestigious awards in recognition of their achievements in international trade, innovation, sustainable development and promoting opportunity.'

The Queen and Philip are getting set to welcome King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain tomorrow. 

Recipients can display the Queen's Awards emblem for five years and Prince Philip was on hand to congratulate winners

The Queen looked summery in a green, yellow and pink floral dress offset with her trademark pearls 

The couple will be formally greeted by the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh on Horse Guards Parade on Wednesday. It is expected to be 96-year-old Philip's last state visit before he retires from public duties after the summer.

The state visit is seen as an important step in securing relations with Spain as the UK leaves the EU. The last incoming state visit by a Spanish king - Felipe's father Juan Carlos - was 31 years ago. 

King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia's trip was postponed twice - firstly because of a political crisis in Spain in March 2016 and then again when the rescheduled date clashed with June's snap general election.

The action-packed tour will see the King and Queen enjoy a private lunch at Buckingham Palace, afternoon tea at Clarence House and a State Banquet at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday night with a host of faces from the royal family. The King will attend a UK-Spain Business Forum at Mansion House, accompanied by The Duke of York, the couple will visit Westminster Abbey accompanied by Prince Harry and they'll also meet Theresa May at No. 10 Downing Street.

Felipe and Letizia, who are staying at Buckingham Palace, will be feted with a grand state banquet in the ballroom on Wednesday evening - with Prince Harry and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge expected to be attending. It will be the first time full-time royal Harry, who is 32, has taken part in a state visit.

The Queen and Philip are getting set to welcome King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain tomorrow; the couple are pictured this evening boarding a flight to London