Palace wrapped up for Christmas

In pictures: London lit up

Buckingham Palace is entering into the Christmas spirit by being lit up this year.

From 1700 GMT on Christmas Eve, projectors will "wrap" the Palace in a giant Union Jack and wrapping paper.

The effect is part of the Brightening Up London project which has seen nine famous buildings in the city illuminated with seasonal images.

It has also been backed by celebrities, like Bob Geldof, and sponsored by Orange mobile phones.

A Palace spokeswoman said: "The Queen was impressed by Bob Geldof's 'Peace and Hope' message projected on to Wellington Arch and gave the go-ahead for the Palace to be lit up.

"But this is not an endorsement of any particular phone company."

Buildings which have taken part in the project include the National Gallery, Imperial War Museum, Tate Britain and the National Theatre.