Standing on a French carpet from the 17th century beneath a glittering chandelier, the Queen certainly offered the Saudi Arabian Crown Prince a taste of British royal finery when he visited Buckingham Palace today.
But it would be interesting to know what the visiting billionaire made of the monarch’s decidedly modest means of heating the high-ceilinged Audience Room.
For tucked away in the ornate fireplace, just feet from where the Queen and Mohammed bin Salman shook hands, was a tiny two-bar electric heater.
The plastic-cased appliance, which costs less than £30 from the high street, can be seen glowing orange in the background of photos taken of the private audience today.
Pictured: 1. French carpet from the 18th Century, value unknown 2. The Thames from Somerset House Terrace towards the City by Canaletto 3. Black and white wedding picture of Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall 4. Picture of William and Harry in Military uniform 5. 18th Century English porcelain pheasants valued at £20,000; white marble and gilt bronze clock, valued at £4,000 6. English gilt mirror, from the 19th Century, valued at £30,000 7. Late 18th century chandelier, reflected in the mirror. Value: £10,000 8. Two-bar electric fire, approx. cost £29.99
The Crown Prince was received by the Queen, 91, as Britain rolled out the red carpet for his three-day visit.
He enjoyed a meeting with Her Majesty in the Audience room before joining her and her son, the Duke of York, for lunch. A closer look at a photo taken of the meeting between the royals reveals the grandeur of the palace.
A pair of English porcelain pheasants from the 18th century can be spotted on the mantelpiece, beneath a gilt wood mirror.
The room, situated on the palace’s first floor, is also peppered with photographs of Royals, including the Queen Mother, Queen Elizabeth’s father George VI and a signed photo of her son Earl of Wessex with his bride the Countess of Wessex.
Another side-table is devoted to her grandchildren, featuring pictures of Prince William and Prince Harry in military uniforms and wedding picture of Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall.
He had lunch with the Queen and the Duke of York before travelling to Downing Street for high powered talks with Theresa May and a security briefing with British intelligence.
The Crown Prince will later join the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge for dinner as the Government tries to cement its relationship with what it views as an important strategic ally.