Those views could be a distraction, Queen quips at opening of Schroders HQ

The Queen was impressed by the views from the 10th floor of a finance company’s building she opened in the City of London – and joked that they would distract its staff.

Landmarks like St Paul’s Cathedral, the Gherkin skyscraper and the London Eye could be clearly seen from the lofty heights of the Schroders building at 1 London Wall Place.

Richard Beastall, a partner with architects TP Bennett, who led the team which designed the building’s interior, told the Queen that all the meeting rooms were at the top to take advantage of the “great views”.

The royal visitor made those around her laugh when she quipped: “Quite difficult to concentrate – always looking out the window.”

During the visit, the Queen formally opened the building, which is the new headquarters of Schroders – a global investment management company founded more than 200 years ago.

Mr Beastall said later: “The top four floors have the meeting rooms because they have fantastic views, we also have wonderful terraces for events.

“The feedback is everyone is loving working here; we hope to make people more productive and leave the building feeling healthier.”

The Queen toured the building, meeting everyone from board members and senior managers to investment workers and some of the longest-serving and newest staff.

She was intrigued by the hi-tech lifts, where the floor number had to be tapped into a keypad before entering, as there were no number buttons inside.

While chatting to one group, she joked about the experience, saying “They’ve got no buttons” but “I got here”.

Before leaving, the Queen unveiled a plaque in the building’s lobby to mark her visit.

Nearby was an art installation of 20,000 poppies commemorating 100 years since the Armistice.

Schroders worked with the Royal British Legion and a local florist to create the piece, which cascades down a central staircase.