According to a new book by Andrew Marr, Prince Charles has considered abandoning Buckingham Palace for Windsor Castle when he becomes king, leaving the former to be converted into a hotel and event space. Surely there are more innovative uses for this property?
HMP Buck House If there's one thing Britain lacks, it's sufficient four-star penal accommodation to imprison an entire financial industry. The palace's 240-bed capacity could be extended by installing cages in some state rooms, and the viewing balcony is ideal for public floggings.
Downton Abbey Experience Guests at this new "reality hotel" will get a taste of below-stairs living, by cooking, cleaning and running a makeshift first world war-era hospital in the service of a wealthy family played by the winners of a special National Lottery draw.
SW1 Garden Centre The palace has a first-rate garden of a size unheard of in central London, with plenty of room to display plants, plus space for a cafe and a petting zoo. The building itself, once reconfigured, will provide ample parking.
Buckingham Mountain Listing may prevent alteration to the outside of the palace, but once it's been gutted it could easily serve as an indoor ski slope. Lift queues will take visitors past various treasures, and special blue runs will allow guests to ski directly on to the Victoria line.
