If you felt One Direction were noticeably absent from the American Music Awardson Sunday night, the guys had a great reason to be no-shows: they had to get back to London to meet the Queen.

The Queen’s latest brush with boy bands on Monday night, November 19, at the 100th anniversary of The Royal Variety Performance seemed to go well. She met and shook hands with the members of One Direction, who later performed their single “Little Things” for the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh.

Also present and performing were Alicia Keys, Robbie Willimas, Kylie Minogue and reunited British girl group Girls Aloud.

The Queen seemed chuffed (ask The Wanted what it means) to meet the lads and they were certainly bowled over by Her Majesty.

Today, I met The Queen.

— Harry Styles (@Harry_Styles) November 20, 2012

Amazing night.. Can’t believe it. Night!! .xx

— Harry Styles (@Harry_Styles) November 20, 2012

Great evening ! Met some legends! Happy to be invited

— Niall Horan (@NiallOfficial) November 20, 2012

Having a great time at the royal variety show !!

— zaynmalik1D (@zaynmalik) November 19, 2012

Now that the boys have had the chance to hobnob with royalty what’s next on their list? They’ll be featured is one of Barbra Walter’s  10 Most Fascinating People in a year end special and will head back to the States at the end of November and into December for more tour dates. Their sophomore album, Take Me Home, is available now.

-Courtney E. Smith, CBS Local