London

The Queen epitomises what Girl Power stands for because she’s maintained a durability and inner strength throughout her reign. Whatever the weather, whatever her family predicament has been, she’s always maintained a dignity and stability. She’s the mother of Britain, and we all look to mothers to lead us. She’s a strong matriarch and a multitasker: she’s a grandmother, a mother, an ambassador, and she’s led the country in different eras. I’m sure that, like all of us, she’s had days where she just didn’t feel like showing up to something but she always does. She’s never spazzed out and lost her decorum.

She’s got amazing skin. I’ve met her twice. She looks amazing for her age and I think she’s really kept herself well, externally. She’s got her own sense of style. I don’t know what her beauty secrets are, but she looks good. The first time was quite early on in the Spice Girls’ career. I felt a bit nervous because it was like meeting my caricatured perception of what she would be – my projection of her as a sort of headmistress figure. It was in a line-up at one of those Prince’s Trust gala events, and I was nervous about how to curtsy properly. The second time it was more informal and she took more time to engage – it was a much sweeter, more intimate conversation. It was at Buckingham Palace with lots of other music industry figures. She was being escorted round by her aide. It’s great the way she meets thousands of people but can still engage and connect with individuals. I did get a sense that she knew who I was and what I did.

I feel really proud that we have a monarch like her. A lot of countries look to us and think: Wow, I wish we had one like that. She’s like the Queen of queens. Even though she’s old now, she still travels. If she wanted to, she could just rest on her laurels and knit and watch soap operas – though she does a bit of that as well. She’s a great granny, which I really like. I’ve been told by the princesses that she’s quite hands-on.

She’s got the gift of experience and she knows that sometimes, such as after Diana’s death, a dignified silence is the best way. She’s had to roll with changes, too. She’s lived through a world war and gone through so many different cultural shifts – really radical changes, especially in the last 20 years – and she’s had to change with them.

I saw the film ‘The Queen’ and what I liked was the way she wanted to go and be by herself without all her bodyguards. I identified with that in the sense that, although I’m a public person, equally I absolutely love my anonymity – those moments when I can disappear and be one of many. I’m not into going around with a big entourage; I feel so uncomfortable doing that. It’s important to be as human and grounded as possible.

I think it would be fair if Charles had a go at following her, but maybe he doesn’t want to be king. William would be great too, though he needs a bit of time to grow and be a human being. After all, the role of the monarch has changed. It’s not like they’re leading us into battle any more.