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CNN Live Sunday

Exhibit of Gifts Given to Queen Elizabeth Opens in London

Aired August 04, 2002 - 17:26   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
FREDRICKA WHITFIELD, CNN ANCHOR: Some people save every gift they've ever been given, no matter how different those presents seem to be. CNN's Richard Quest says that's what's led to a one of a kind exhibit at the Buckingham Palace, a display of 200 of the gifts given to Queen Elizabeth during her 50 years on the throne.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

RICHARD QUEST, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice over): This is a collection of the bewildering, the bizarre, and the beautiful, the selection of gifts celebrating more than 200 visits around the globe during 50 years on the throne. There are pictures of the Queen in every possible style, even some pictures where you can't even see the Queen.

There are the cowboy boots given to Prince Phillip during a visit to Texas more than a decade ago. Then there are the lavish, the gold palm trees given by Middle Eastern leaders. In fact, entire desert scenes decked in gold with jewels. Palms are a gift. The palace has plenty.

JONATHAN MARSDEN, DEPUTY CURATOR, QUEEN'S WORKS OF ART: I think something that really represents the people of the countries, I mean some of the island presents we've had, trophies of seashells and so on, that really sums up the place she's been to. It serves to remind the queen of where she's been and the people that she met people who presented her with these things.

QUEST: What's not on display here are any of the live animals from race horses to crocodiles that the Queen's also received, or the fresh fruit and veg (ph) she's been given. That usually ends up in the palace kitchens.

There is a favorite, though. Normally on display at Windsor Castle this grasshopper-shaped wine cooler given by France in 1972. At least here you can say you gave the Queen something she didn't already have.

All the gifts that the Queen has ever received have been catalogued and then carefully stored in the Royal household. After all, it will be a nightmare if they couldn't find one on a particular visit. What would you say if the Thai Royal Family turned up and said whatever happened to that elephant we gave you back in 1960? The palace can say, oh but of course, it's on display. Richard Quest CNN, Buckingham Palace.

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