Royal treasures hidden since WWII found in Lithuania

Royal treasures hidden for more than 85 years have been rediscovered in Lithuania.

The artefacts, which include crowns, a sceptre and rings, hadn't been seen since the start of World War Two in 1939.

The pieces have been traced back to east European royalty, including Alexander Jagiellon - a 15th century King of Poland and Grand Duke of Lithuania.

These treasures were first found in the crypts of a cathedral in the country's capital Vilnius, in 1931 following a flood, but were hidden away at the outbreak of the war.

What treasures were discovered?

Among the items are a crown belonging to Alexander Jagiellon - or Aleksandras Jogailatis - who was the King of Poland and Grand Duke of Lithuania in the 15th Century.

There was also a crown, chain, medallion and ring that belonged to Elizabeth of Austria - or Elžbieta Habsburgaitė - Queen of Poland in the 16th Century.

Treasures including a crown, scepter, orb, chain and rings were also found that belonged to Barbara Radziwiłł - or Barbora Radvilaitė - who was the wife of another later King of Poland and Grand Duke of Lithuania.

How were the royal treasures recovered?

The items were found at Vilnius Cathedral in Lithuania

Several attempts were made to find the treasures following the war, but they couldn't be found - until researchers began to search the cathedral crypts in September 2024.

With the help of a very small camera, the artefacts were found and recovered.

They were even wrapped up in newspapers dated September 1939.

They are currently being restored by the Church Heritage Museum and are expected to go on display later this year.