The Royal Estate at Sandringham is a place for intimate family gatherings and also for welcoming important visitors, such as Tsar Nicholas II, Monarch of all Russia. He was staying with King Edward VII when they decided to take a break from shooting parties, give the bodyguards an afternoon off and go for a private stroll through the Norfolk countryside.

Deep in conversation, they got completely lost. Trudging up a muddy cart track, what a relief to see a horse-drawn cart appear! But the driver, a local tradesman, really didn’t fancy going all the way to Sandringham. Helpfully, he said if they jumped in the back of the cart he’d give them a lift to North Wootton station. They could sort themselves out from there.

Wolferton, the station serving Sandringham, was only 3 miles away, just up the track. They were on the train, nearly home and no doubt anticipating a hot bath and a large brandy. The conductor came bustling through the carriage. ‘Tickets please!’ Awkward! Royalty carries no cash so the king explained he had no money for a ticket. The conductor was having none of it and insisted the men purchase tickets like everyone else. Somewhat embarrassed, Edward is reputed to have exclaimed: ‘But I am the King of England and this is the Tsar of Russia.’

‘Pleased to meet you,’ replied the guard, ‘and I am the Archbishop of Canterbury. Tickets please!’ Perhaps he didn’t recognise them. What do you reckon?