An obscene insult scrawled on a pillar more than a century ago has been uncovered during a £12million restoration of Kensington Palace.

Staff at the royal residence found the graffiti from 1902 in perfect condition several months ago.

Written neatly in pencil on a timber post supporting the ceiling beside the palace's front door and boxed in by wooden panelling were the words: 'Peter Jackson, The Champion F****r' dated 1/2/1902.