OK, I do understand that - somewhat. I mean, the royals only buy the finest furnishings, which are then meticulously cared for by an army of servants. Unlike many of us the Queen isn't routinely wandering through her rooms mumbling to herself: "Hmm, that couch I bought on sale just didn't stand up to wear and tear very well, I suppose it's time to replace it next month" or "Darn it, someone left an empty glass on the cocktail table and now I can't get the water stain out."
And the Queen is known to be thrifty and sensible, so I can understand she would resist replacing something that is still adequately serving her needs. But she has at her disposal one of the world's finest collections of art and furnishings, much of which lies in storage because there simply isn't enough space to display and use it all. Wouldn't a normal person in that situation at least occasionally rotate a few pieces?
I also understand your point about "royal image" and "mystery". But this isn't Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle or any other official residence where state guests are received and entertained. This is Balmoral - a private family home set in the middle of nowhere, where the usual guests are only family and close intimate friends. If you aren't surrounded by your favorite things here, than where?
I'm not suggesting a massive redecoration is in order, or even that Her Majesty hang a Warhol in place of a Gainsborough. But for God's sake, in 150 years you'd expect at least a table to be moved from one side of a room to another, wouldn't you???
