Palace on mouse alert

The mice were spotted in the temporary kitchen

Pest control experts have been called into Buckingham Palace after three mice were seen in the Queen's kitchen.

The mice were spotted in the temporary kitchen where food is prepared for the Royal Family, while major building work is being carried out.

The rodents are thought to have been driven inside by the recent spell of cold weather.

But a Palace spokesman denied the presence of the mice was particularly problematic.

"We are talking very small numbers - only three mice have been seen - so it's far from an infestation," he said.

"The ratio of mice to men is very low and there's no question of the Queen having to flee to Windsor."

The spokesman denied suggestions that rats had also been seen in the kitchen, according to The Sun newspaper.