Hang it all

Never let it be said that the purpose of this column is simply to pontificate, to ask rhetorically "why, oh why, oh why?" without ever doing anything practical about the imperfections of which it is only too well aware.

Never let it be said that the purpose of this column is simply to pontificate, to ask rhetorically "why, oh why, oh why?" without ever doing anything practical about the imperfections of which it is only too well aware.

We have, on occasion, expressed a certain amount of scepticism about the way in which the Royal Family sometimes behaves as if it is a rich and private fiefdom. We are pleased, then, that our views should receive support from the Fabian Society, which, as we report today, is calling on the Queen to open her art collection to the public.

We do not merely endorse the Fabians' call, however. We offer an example of how Her Majesty could do it. We are giving our readers the chance to hang a Canaletto in their house for a day. The Queen should offer her fellow citizens similar, but more extensive, opportunities.