Its not often you can tell friends Margaret Thatcher came over for lunch, so Rashan Sadri made sure the occasion would be one to remember.

Add in Dennis, Jim Davidson and Sir Rex Hunt, the former Falklands governor, and you had the makings of what would have made a photo feature for Hello! magazine.

A small army of waiters hovered among guests, offering Champagne, white wine and exquisite canaps, while a pair of musicians entertained guests in the hallway.

But the intimate gathering only had eyes for Lady Thatcher, immaculate in a deep blue embroidered dress and trademark black leather handbag.

On a rare visit to the Royal borough, Lady Thatcher was at Rashans Surbiton home to unveil her portrait, bought by her for a considerable amount in aid of the British Forces Foundation (BFF), of which she is president.

After some tipple and polite conversation, the ceremony began with Jim Davidson, BFF chairman, who described Rashan as one of the few people who give and give and never take.

Rashan, an admirer of Lady Thatcher and a tireless fundraiser, said that, after years spent searching for the definitive Thatcher collectable, she had finally got her hands on a one-off.

Lady Thatcher, who was moving among the guests with Dennis at her side, then added some of her own wit before unveiling the portrait.

She described Richard Stones painting as a work of genius which portrayed her just as she would like to be remembered.

Considering he talked so much, it is truly amazing to think of what he achieved after only five sittings.

The expression is of someone who is questioning and I dare say I did ask myself a few questions during the sittings but equally of someone who is confident of prevailing in the end.

She added in jest: I note that you were not too complimentary in that you remembered to add in the white hairs and lines on my neck.

As Hello! magazine would put it: It was warming to see the stately couple in such good spirits, with Dennis in sprightly form, at one stage calling his better half to order with a curt Thatcher! which provoked a roar of laughter.

Richard Tracey, MP for Surbiton between 1983 and 1997, said he did not recall Lady Thatcher ever visiting the Royal borough during her time as prime minister.

She and Dennis were in pretty good form. It is rare that they stay so long during official visits, he said.

A limited number of prints of the portrait, signed by Lady Thatcher, are for sale, with profits going to the BFF. For more information call 020 7436 3007.

By.Steven Shukor