Queen Approves Castle Rentals During Olympics

Royals will let firms rent St James's Throne Room for £30,000 a day and Leeds Castle (photo) for £1million (£62,500 a night ) during the Olympics.

Given the exhorbitant cost of maintaining these historical residences, it's hard not to support the Queen's decision to make easy money.

However, there is something distaseful about hiring out a castle that was built in the 12th century and it's dedicated staff to a banker or corporate titan whose only purpose in being there will be to throw a lavish party.

In some ways, it's apropos. Bankers and CEO's got rich stealing money and so did the monarchy. Preserving history is a dirty business.