Barlow given royal party planning role

Gary Barlow has reportedly been asked to arrange the Queen's 85th birthday party next year.

The Take That star was briefed on the event at Buckingham Palace, where he was also asked to organise a party for the 2012 Diamond Jubilee.

The Sun reports that the Queen invited Barlow to lead the events after being made aware of his successful charity work. An insider said: "Gary's got the power to pull in some big names and ensure it's a party to match the occasion. The timing means he can get the ball rolling early and start ringing his contacts."

Barlow's event planning resumé includes a celebrity hike up Mount Kilimanjaro, which raised more than £3.4m for Comic Relief, and a number of Children In Need rock gigs at the Royal Albert Hall, which brought in more than £2.1m.