Victoria's big secret: The roomy royal undergarments that are officially blooming marvellous

By Rebecca English for the Daily Mail
Updated: 02:00 EST, 8 September 2009

They look like something snaffled from a pantomime dame's wardrobe.

But these generously proportioned linen bloomers and chemise were fit for a queen.

And not just any queen. None other than Queen Victoria herself wore these at the end of the 19th century.

Queen Victoria's underwear

On show: As well as being embroidered with a crown and the initials VR the underwear also have a number to ensure they could be kept track of when sent to the laundry

Queen Victoria

Fit for a queen: Victoria's underwear is at Kensington Palace

Which means they have become one of the most important museum pieces in the country.

Embroidered with a small crown and the initials VR, the undergarments have been given 'national designated status' by the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council.

This award is given to museum collections which are considered of both national and international significance.

Currently stored at Kensington Palace in West London, the bloomers are part of the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection - 12,000 items worn by royalty and courtiers from the 17th century until the present day.

Other items include a tweed suit created for Diana, Princess of Wales, for her 1981 honeymoon.

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