The Kremlin probably underestimated the economic impact of its grudge against the tycoons, and may now consider it has done enough pour encourager les autres.

ECONOMIST: The Khodorkovsky case

"I hope the exhibition opens people's eyes so that next time they throw something away, perhaps they will consider what else might be done with it, " she said.

BBC: Queen 'made of rubbish' at Northampton exhibition

It said it would consider the membership applications, but added its regret that the good work it had done in the area had not been recognised.

BBC: Mount Stuart on Bute