Re-opened by the Queen as a public gallery in 2002, this gigantic set of rooms on the front side of Buckingham Palace houses an ever-changing sample of the artwork and treasure "held by the Queen in trust, on behalf of the nation".

We wonder what she'd say if you offered to look after some of the priceless ornaments and magnificent European artworks on her walls? 'No thank you very much', would be a likely answer.

Anyway, this is an impressive place. Buckingham Palace is much more attractive in than out and the gifts accumulated by the Windsors and their antecedents will make your eyes goggle.