I am gratified to read that on the drive into Highgrove, there is a sign which reads, "You are now entering an old-fashioned place."  I'm sure it's obvious to the visitor, but it's good to make things clear, snorts Mrs. M. His recent approach to the Qatari royal family was another victory for the old-fashioned banner.  Many trendy urbanites will be disappointed, but a lot of old Chelsea residents do not want to see the Chelsea Barracks replaced with a £1 billon development of 525 flats in towers of copper, glass and concrete.  Ugh!

The Qataris have already spent £30m on the planning application, and now they've agreed that the Price can participate in the alternative design through his Foundation for the Built Environment.  So to the moans of Lord Rogers, the modernist scheme has been dropped in favour of a classical design.

No matter where you stand on the ethics of bypassing the democratic planning procedures, which has caused outrage in some quarters, there is no denying there are plenty of monstrous modern building in London.  To think of not having to look at a new one in the 13-acre Duke of York Square is a relief.  According to Ken Livingstone, Prince Charles has abused his constitutional position in order to impose his vision on the country.  Many would say, ‘Hurrah' that Lord Rogers will not be imposing his vision on this prized Chelsea area.  Hurrah for good taste and common sense.

Constitutional experts have said that Prince Charles has a right, if not a duty, to speak out on issues he cares about.  "He is entitled to speak out about architecture.  It is not a party political issue.  Lord Rogers is entitled to disagree."

I have just spent the last nine months enduring the renovation of our neighbour's property in historic, Old Chelsea.  The architects have been arrogant, they have not conformed to the plans approved by the council, they have ignored the health and nuisance issues for the surrounding houses, and they haven't even kept to the design and building products of the original building.  So I'm not likely to support the side of the architects. Architects can shout all they want about Prince Charles, but as a group they are pleased with themselves and indifferent to other people's opinions!  How dare they complain!

Prince Charles's friends may address him as ‘Sir.'  There are plenty of architects who think they should be hailed with such deference.  It's a case of the pots calling the kettle ‘black.'  And in the case of the Chelsea Barracks, Prince Charles may have just done us an enormous favour and saved the beauty of a much loved Chelsea location.

Hurrah!