In 1995 , Cardinal Basil Hume invited HM The Queen . This was the first visit of a reigning monarch of the United Kingdom to a Catholic liturgy since 1688 when James II & VII was king . In 1995 , at the invitation of Cardinal Basil Hume , the cathedral was visited by HM The Queen , the first visit of a reigning monarch of the United Kingdom to a Catholic church liturgy for several years .