Make a date ... Palace turns into Advent calendar

Kensington Palace is to become a “living” Advent calendar as part of its Christmas celebrations.

The venue will be decked with 24 mirrored baubles and a 25ft Christmas tree in the palace gardens.

Every day at 2pm, starting on Saturday, one bauble will be opened to reveal something inspired by the childhood Christmas diary entries and letters of Queen Victoria, who lived in the palace as a child.

Visitors can take part in carol singing, crafts and storytelling.

A carol concert with the Chapel Royal Choir from Hampton Court Palace takes place next Wednesday, and there will be a Midwinter Masquerade Ball on December 13. The baubles were created by design company Makestuff.

The palace was bought by King William III and Queen Mary II in 1689. It has been home to Queen Victoria, Princess Margaret and Princess Diana. It was reopened to the public by the Queen and Prince Philip in March after a £12 million renovation.

Admission is £14.50 for adults, £12 concessions, and free for under-16s.