Unidentified curators at London's Kensington Palace inspecting the fine linen chemise, left, and split drawers which were worn by Britain's queen Victoria at the end of the 19th century. both are embroidered with a crown, VR and a number so they could be kept track of when sent to the laundry. the underwear which has a 56-inch (142-centimeter) waist has been added to Britain's royal ceremonial dress collection at Kensington Palace. the underwear is believed to date from the 1890s. queen Victoria had a 20-inch (51-centimeter) waist as a young woman. but curator alexandra kim said Tuesday, sept. 8, 2009, "over the years, particularly having given birth to nine children, that changed entirely." the collection purchased the bloomers for 600 pounds (us$993) earlier this summer. kim said it's likely the item had been handed down to a servant after the monarch's death. [CFP]