6 AUGUST 2003
Having just taken up residence in his newly-refurbished London home, Prince Charles is inviting the people of Britain to have a look around the house, in which his long-time partner Camilla Parker Bowles has private quarters.

For many years Clarence House was a rather mysterious place, as the public was rarely granted an opportunity to see the interior. But as of 9am on Wednesday, the new city home of Princes William and Harry is open to the public.

Over £6 million was spent on the refurbishment, with Prince Charles forking out £1.6 million of his own money to cover the costs of soft furnishings and Camilla's rooms. With the exception of the private living areas, the renovations have kept to the style preferred by the property's previous resident, the late Queen Mother.

The Prince is said to have made the private quarters very much his own, however. And the boys, who were allowed to choose the décor for their rooms, have opted for modern, stylish fittings.

But those hoping for a peek into their family life will be disappointed, as the nine-room suite they now call home will remain off limits.

A souvenir shop has also been opened. Getting your hands on a ticket to tour the house may prove somewhat more difficult, however, as the first run of 46,000 was sold out almost immediately.