The Queen revealed last night she wanted just one thing as she celebrates her 80th birthday today - "a nice, sunshiny day".

As she toured the BBC's Broadcasting House, the monarch disclosed she had no particular requests for presents, but was keen on a spot of lovely weather.

She was also questioned by Radio 4 journalist John Humphrys on why she had not invited the Cuban Communist leader Fidel Castro, who also turns 80 this year, to the Palace to share her happy occasion.

The Today Programme presenter revealed: "I suggested it was a bit mean not to invite Fidel Castro to the Palace because he's 80 as well. She didn't seem to think it was a very good idea."

Radio 2's Sir Terry Wogan joked as he stood next to Humphrys: "No, she didn't. She thought, in fact, you were showing marked communist leanings and showing republican tendencies."

Humphrys remarked afterwards: "Do you think it's the Tower for me?"

Sir Terry told him: "I shouldn't be surprised if you get your papers in the morning - the P45 for you."

The Queen was visiting the corporation to mark the 80th anniversary of the granting of its Royal Charter in the year of her birth.

She also reopened part of the refurbished Broadcasting House, in central London.

Earlier, the Queen listened to a debate on the future of the world when she visited the Royal Institute of International Affairs, Chatham House, to mark the granting of its Royal Charter in 1926.

Baroness Williams, who is one of the presidents of Chatham House, praised the Queen after her visit, saying: "She's like a great oak tree - she's blossoming again."