Royals’ Traditions of Gag Gifts
According to royal experts, the British royal family has a tradition of exchanging small joke presents during their Christmas celebrations. Co-founder Nick Bullen, who has been producing documentaries about the royal family for two decades, revealed that the royals enjoy giving each other silly presents because they already have everything money can buy. These gag gifts range from whoopee cushions to bath toys.
Queen Elizabeth II’s Decree
Author Christopher Andersen shared that Queen Elizabeth II decreed early on that since the royal family is blessed with unimaginable wealth and luxuries, the Christmas presents should be of the gag gift variety. The Queen herself has been known to enjoy such comical gifts.
Princess Anne: “The Queen of Gifts”
Princess Anne, known for her sense of humor, has been crowned “The Queen of Gifts” among her family. She has given gifts like a light-up pepper grinder and is loved for her playful nature.
Prince Harry’s “Rude” Presents
Prince Harry has gained a reputation for choosing “rude” gifts that delight his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II. He once gifted her a shower cap embroidered with a cheeky phrase and another time gave her a talking fish plaque. Whenever someone reacted to a prank gift, the late queen would knowingly say, “Oh, that would be Harry.”
Prince William’s Playfulness
Prince William has also been known to poke fun at his younger brother and grandmother. He once gifted Prince Harry a “Grow Your Own Girlfriend” kit and gave the queen a pair of comfy slippers with her image on them, which she found amusing.
Camilla’s Earthy Sense of Humor
According to author Christopher Andersen, Camilla, known for her earthy sense of humor, selects X-rated gifts for family members on behalf of her husband, King Charles. This shows that even the newly-welcomed family members join in on the fun.
Princess Diana’s Initial Embarrassment
Princess Diana had a painful and embarrassing experience with the royal family’s Christmas gifts tradition. Unaware that the gifts were meant to be inexpensive and comical, she went to great lengths to purchase extravagant presents, only to be met with laughter from the rest of the family.
Duchess Kate Middleton’s Safe Choice
When Duchess Kate Middleton was first introduced to the Christmas gifts tradition, she played it safe and made a personal gift for Queen Elizabeth II. Middleton’s homemade chutney was well-received by the queen, showing her thoughtfulness.
Duchess Meghan Markle’s Wooden Spoon
Duchess Meghan Markle, after joining the royal family, embraced the tradition and gave Prince William a wooden spoon with the words “Cereal Killer” engraved on it. This playful gift showcased Markle’s sense of humor.
Continuation in California
Even after stepping back as senior royals and moving to California, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle continued the tradition. In 2020, Markle gave Harry a Christmas ornament of the queen, which made him happy and reminded him of his grandmother.
