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.