Where will The Queen stay when Royal Ascot comes to York next year? STEVE CARROLL takes a light-hearted look at the options.

CONFIRMATION that the centrepiece of Royal Ascot - the Royal Procession - is coming to York has put Royalists in the city in all of a flutter.

With the massed ranks of Royalty set to descend on Knavesmire next year, Yorkshire's high society could well be vying for a prestigious honour.

Where will the Queen lay her head when festivities begin at Royal Ascot? Where will the Prince of Wales bunk before pageantry dominates York's historic streets?

The Evening Press has taken a look at the holiday homes which could be available for Royal visitors when the Windsors head north in 12 months'time.

GARROWBY HALL

The home of Lord Halifax is the undisputed favourite to house the Queen and her entourage during Royal Ascot at York.

If you were a betting man, Garrowby Hall would be odds-on. Let's look at the form. Lord Halifax is York Races Committee chairman. That's the York Races Committee that's hosting Royal Ascot at York.

Furthermore, when the Queen has visited York Racecourse before, she has always stayed with Lord Halifax.

Garrowby Hall is a Special Branch man's dream. You cannot get within two miles of this residence, near Pocklington, never mind break in and sit down with Her Majesty for a cup for tea.

If you follow horse racing, you will know there is no such thing as a certainty. Forget that, in this case there is.

Odds on a Royal visit: 4/6

HAREWOOD HOUSE

The Earl of Harewood, who owns Harewood House, near Leeds, is a cousin of the Queen.

The Queen could lend a helping hand to the environment with a stay at Harewood, where maintaining listed parkland and helping to develop wildlife habitats are high on the agenda.

In truth, it is far more likely that one of Her Majesty's offspring will be pulling up a settee at the family seat of the Lascelles.

Odds: 3/1

NEWBY HALL

This is a home for those Royal Family members who love the limelight. I am thinking of Edward and Sophie here.

The Yorkshire home of Richard Compton, Newby Hall, near Ripon, has featured in BBC Television's Heirs And Graces.

The late 17th century house was designed and built in the style of architect Sir Christopher Wren, who designed St Paul's Cathedral.

Its royal connections run deep as the village once belonged to Sir Jordan Crossland, who was appointed Governor of Scarborough Castle by Charles II.

A home for some of Britain's treasures, you can already hear the Wessex's car approaching.

Odds: 10/1

Bishopthorpe PALACE

The outsider. Used more as an office than a stately home these days, the Archbishop of York's pad may be a touch on the austere side for Her Majesty.

At least a visit would be secluded. The Palace is not open to the public, although pre-booked visits can be arranged.

She would be among friends. As head of the second see, Dr David Hope ranks just below the Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, in the pecking order of the Church of England - of which the Queen just happens to be head.

If Her Majesty does go to Bishopthorpe Palace, she can hold a conference at a delegate rate of only £23 a day!

She will also be able to take a souvenir home to Buckingham Palace by choosing from the extensive range of Palace sweatshirts, bookmarks and mugs on sale.

Odds: 50/1

Updated: 10:26 Saturday, June 26, 2004