A RIGHT ROYAL XMAS

Peek at festive Dumfries House

IF you think getting the Christmas decorations down from the loft is a bit of a chore, spare a thought for staff at Dumfries House, the stately home rescued by the King, pictured.

For the Palladian mansion has been decked out with literally thousands of baubles and festive lights.

Sustainable materials such as glass and paper were used as much as possible, in keeping with the King’s ecoconscious vision.

The decorations at the 18th-century pile in Cumnock, Ayrshire, were put up by a team of butlers trained by the Prince’s Foundation. Many of them now work for the foundation, having completed the charity’s introduction to hospitality programme. Satinder Kaur, collections manager at Dumfries House, helped to put the finishing touches to displays in the Tapestry Room, while standing guard either side of the entrance hall’s 8ft Christmas tree – which was decorated in glittering golden ornaments – were a pair of giant toy soldiers.