I am currently sat outside the gate of charlton house garden. It’s normally open, but tonight, because of the filming, it is firmly shut. Beyond it is a hive of activity: cast in all kinds of costumes, dressed as if for a garden party. I am told Liz Hurley is around somewhere, playing the queen. Thousands of pounds worth of equipment is being wheeled about. It’s quite a surreal sight, if you think about it. The Americans seem fascinated by our royal family – ironic after they fought so hard to ge rid of them – that here they are in charlton making films about them. I can even see guys dressed as beefeaters. It strikes me as a bizarre, fascinating sight, especially given that it’s happening on my doorstep.