The Queen has reopened historic Kensington Palace, which has been home to some of the country's most noted royals, including George III, Queen Victoria, the Queen's sister, Princess Margaret and lastly Diana, Princess of Wales.

Arriving by car, the Queen was welcomed by dignitaries who took her on a tour of the Palace where she could see the 12 million pound renovation, which has been completed to coincide with her Diamond Jubilee year.

The Queen then officially opened the refurbished Palace

And another Queen has been given a face lift. As the statue of Queen Victoria, which is in the palace garden is back to its pristine best after extensive restoration work.