I always was so so underwhelmed by Buckingham Palace on the outside - seems not up to a classic Royal Palace. So I hear you flanner and I see why Brits are under enthused to see it too it seems.

The trouble is, they're lumbered with their predecessors' tastes*, in this case, George IV (mostly) for the interior bling and the Edwardians for the frontage. There'd be hell to pay if they wanted to rip it all out and start again.

*Then again, I've been in the Hofburg in Vienna, and have you seen the plans to rebuild the Stadtschloss in Berlin?

Crown land is a term used in Australia . It means any land that belongs to the government either state or Federal. Eg all government schools are built on crown land.

Hi NORTHIE,

Interesting. Thanks for your input....

'Off with their heads!' (Not literally!) Power and palace to the people!

PAL,

"Power and palace to the people!" Right on.

Usually my interest in palaces is limited to a half hour or so. I prefer cathedrals to these ostentatious royal dwellings. But I did love the Parliament building in Budapest - really a regal setting.

To me the champagne tour of Buck House (as at natives call it) would be worth it because of my interest in British history.