An Afternoon AT THE PALACE

Claire Saul samples the annual summer opening of the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace

- CLAIRE SAUL

It's very special to step into the entrance of Buckingham Palace. We have witnessed so many memorable moments here throughout our lives - royal balcony appearances, most notably that of William and Kate's wedding in 2011, spectacular processions, star-studded concerts, traditional events and most recently, of course, the celebrations for the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

Having been through the airport-style security and collected my audio headset for this year's summer opening of its magnificent State Rooms, I make my way to the starting point of the tour, on the far side of that famous Quadrangle.

Here, I contemplate the distinguished names who have been there before me. Just imagine the visitor book-Strauss, Dickens, Ghandi, Mandela, Hawking....

As I listen to the steady flow of facts about each room, I'm struck by how recognisable some of them are.

The Throne Room, for example, has been the backdrop for decades of official portraits, including weddings and coronations. Apparently, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert once held costumed balls here, but the 200 candles required to light it not only uncomfortably raised the temperature, but also dripped wax onto the dancers below.