Earlier this week, the Daily Express told how Blackpool Opera House was building a new royal toilet suite for the Queen in case she needs a comfort break during the Royal Variety Show at the seaside theatre in seven weeks' time.

The £4,000 royal flush will replace a previous water closet installed for the Queen's last visit to the theatre in 1955. But that loo has never been used by the Queen - or anyone else for that matter.

The royal WC is hidden away in a private corridor just off the Circle Bar, which will be reserved for the Queen and invited guests.

Lynda Baker, the manager at Blackpool Opera House, explained that it is only part of a face-lift being carried out in advance of the monarch's visit.

"We've actually redecorated the first two floors of dressing rooms, and some of the auditorium and the circle bar," she said proudly.

What the theatre does is obviously its business but Buckingham Palace takes issue with the suggestion that this work has been carried out on the orders of royal aides.

In fact, senior officials at the palace have taken this opportunity to try to explain that they would prefer it if anybody hosting a royal visit would avoid going to any extra expense just to make things more comfortable for Her Majesty or other members of her family.

A spokesman for the Queen tells me: "Buckingham Palace has not held any discussions with Blackpool Opera House regarding this year's Royal Variety Show and the refurbishment of any areas which may be used during the visit.

"In particular, Buckingham Palace's advice to all hosts is that they should not incur any new expense purely for a royal engagement."

It's interesting that there is such official sensitivity about this issue. The last thing the Royal Family's image makers want at the moment during this recession is adverse headlines about money being wasted on tarting up buildings just because the Queen is coming.

In case you are interested, this year's Royal Variety Performance in Blackpool will take place on December 7 and features the winners of Britain's Got Talent, dance group Diversity.