Festive lights have been switched on at Kensington Palace as it celebrates a Victorian Christmas.

It welcomed pupils from St Mary Abbotts primary school, who turned on the lights of the 25ft tall Christmas tree with a little help from a young Queen Victoria - who grew up at the palace.

The school pupils then dressed up as as Victorian carollers to perform some of our favourite Christmas carols in the opulent King’s Gallery.

A young Queen Victoria with pupils from St Mary Abbotts primary school, who were dressed as Victorian carollers

Visitors to Kensington Palace are currently experiencing all the joys of a Victorian Christmas .

The sights, sounds, smells and tastes of a truly traditional Victorian celebration are being brought to life through a series of talks, festive music and seasonal food and drink.

Inside guests will see treated to beautifully decorated tables where Victoria and Albert presented their carefully chosen Christmas gifts, while gardening fans will enjoy a stunning display of ‘forced flowers’ – reflecting the Victorian fashion for demonstrating gardening prowess by cultivating exotic fruits and vibrant flowers in winter.

The illuminated 25ft tall Christmas tree at Kensington Palace behind the statue of Queen Victoria