A SKETCHBOOK that once belonged to Queen Victoria – and was due to go up for auction in Sherborne – has been bought by the Royal Collection.

Photo: Charterhouse

The book, featuring a range of drawings by the monarch, was set to go under the hammer at Charterhouse at the start of March.

Photo: Charterhouse

But before going before punters, the auction house was contacted by the Royal Collection, who expressed an interest in it.

“A representative from The Royal Collection arranged to view the album at the auction,” said Richard Bromell, from Charterhouse.

“Having had a good look at it we had a meeting. After this, I contacted the owner as The Royal Collection were keen to add this to their collection.

“After brief discussion and negotiation with the owners, they were happy for this to go back to The Royal Collection.”

Photo: Charterhouse

The sketchbook features Queen Victoria’s monogram beneath a crown on the cover, as well as an inscription inside the front.

“On board the steamer Le Petit Parisien on the Lac de Bourget Ap(ril) 11 1885,” it reads.

Pictures include of a dog curled up for a sleep, and a view from Frogmore Cottage – currently hitting the headlines as the UK residence of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

It was estimated to reach between £5,000 and £10,000 at auction, after being put up for sale by the family of Miss Leta Smith, a Royal archivist from 1924 to 1957.