I MUST take issue with ME Harris on the subject of the “Queen’s backyard” (HAS, Nov 6). Buckingham Palace was designed by John Nash for King George IV and the original entrance was through the Marble Arch, facing the Mall.

The arch was removed in the reign of Queen Victoria and a new entrance block was designed by Edward Blore to accommodate the Indian Princes.

This was later refaced and altered by Sir Aston Webb and includes the famous Royal balcony.

The garden front with its famous bow windows is still by Nash and is the part of the palace overlooked by Hotel 41 (Echo Travel, Oct 31).

Ian Scott, Ian Scott Communications, London