Official: Queen Victoria's Panties Were Massive

As Kensington Palace prepares to re-open after a £12 million refit, British newspaper The Sun was allowed a sneak preview of one of the most unusual - and certainly most personal - items of Royal memorabilia yet seen... Queen Victoria's 52" knickers.

The voluminous pants sold recently at auction for £600 - which is pretty cheap considering the sheer amount of material involved in their construction. Clearly dating from the latter years of her reign, when Victoria had ballooned in size following the death of her beloved husband Albert, the panties are embroidered with the royal crest and offer a unusual perspective on Royal fashion. Whilst today's royals seem to think nothing of baring their flesh in skimpy swimwear, Victorian times were famously more prudish (although not as prudish as legend dictates). It's certainly hard to imagine any catwalk model of today sashaying down the catwalk in such massive pants.

Enjoy looking while you can - the bloomers are unlikely to be seen again until 2012, when a new display of Royal dress opens at Kensington Palace.