£6m refit for Kew Palace

Kew palace is to be reopened after critics branded its abandonment a "scandal".

The exquisite terracotta building, once the country home of George III and Queen Charlotte, will open its doors to the public in 2006 after a £6.6 million refurbishment.

Historic Royal Palaces, the charity which also runs Hampton Court and Kensington Palace, has already raised £2.6 million of that total thanks to £1 million from private donors and a £1.6 million Heritage Lottery Fund grant.

The building is to be returned its state when it was a royal residence, and will also boast exhibits dating from the royal occupation.