Crown jewels were hidden from Nazis in biscuit tin during the war

The Royal Family hid the crown jewels from the Nazis in a biscuit tin during the Second World War, a documentary will reveal.

Gemstones from the famous ceremonial objects were kept safe at Windsor Castle in the early years of the war in case they fell into Nazi hands following an invasion.

It was known the precious stones had been taken to the Berkshire fortress but there were few facts to the story.

Now a BBC One programme about the crown jewels and the Queen's coronation will reveal for the first time how the historic artefacts were secreted in a deep hole following orders from King George VI.