The Royal Family's Christmas Tradition of Giving Joke Gifts to One Another Sounds Like the Most Fun
Kate once gave Harry a 'Grow Your Own Girlfriend Kit'.


Buying gifts for your family over the holiday season is difficult at the best of times, but what the heck do you wrap up for them to place under the tree when they’re in line to the actual British throne (opens in new tab)? When your grandmother is the proud owner of the crown jewels themselves (opens in new tab), worth an estimated four billion dollars, a selection of soaps and a house coat probably aren’t going to make the cut.
So that explains why the royal family have reportedly adopted a pretty great tradition for their own, private Christmas celebrations (opens in new tab). William, Harry, Kate and now Meghan, too, amongst the rest of the royals, are known to gift each other with super random, joke ‘gag’ gifts’ every year, to avoid the awkward fact that um, they don’t really need a whole lot back at the palace.
It’s thought that the family share their hilarious, bargain presents (the cheaper, the better) at 6pm in Sandringham’s red drawing room every Christmas Eve. The tradition goes that they must each creep down to the room in the afternoon to “secretly place” their mystery presents on tables marked for each family member. Prince Philip (opens in new tab) then gives everyone the go ahead to start the unwrapping on the ultimate Secret Santa set-up.
If you’re wondering how lowbrow these gifts really get, Kate Middleton, Duchess of Perfect Presents (opens in new tab), reportedly once bought Prince Harry a ‘Grow Your Own Girlfriend Kit’ back during his bachelor days. And hey, it worked!
The Mirror (opens in new tab) reports that, as well as Kate’s excellent effort for her brother-in-law in recent years, a white leather toilet seat was once given by Princess Anne to Prince Charles, and the leopard-print bath mat from Princess Diana to Fergie also sounds like a classic. Harry also made the shortlist with one of the most memorable gifts ever exchanged amongst the family when, one year, he presented Queen Elizabeth with an ‘Ain’t Life A bitch’ bath hat. I would maybe sell my own grandmother for in exchange for a photograph of Her Majesty wearing that.
I hope someone warns Meghan's mother Doria, who’s thought to be joining the royal family for the holidays (opens in new tab) this year, about this tradition in advance—otherwise she's probably going to be left wondering what on Earth is going on with British people.
For more celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
SUBSCRIBE HERE (opens in new tab)
RELATED STORY
Lucy Wood spends most of her time writing about celebrity news, reading books, and waiting for the glorious day that she have enough millions for a pet sloth. She also has a YouTube channel on the go where she pretends to know things about fashion and life advice.
-
'The Umbrella Academy' Season 4: Everything We Know
Including what could come next after that cliffhanger finale.
By Quinci LeGardye
-
The 22 Best Korean Romance Movies Ever Made
They'll shatter your heart, then put it back together again.
By Marina Liao
-
All of the Best Fourth of July Fashion Sales
Let the savings begin.
By Julia Marzovilla
-
Prince William and Kate Middleton Showed Support for the LGBTQIA+ Community During Pride Month
They highlighted a mental health charity.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince Charles Was "Delighted" to Meet Lilibet for the First Time, Reportedly
It's not a huge surprise, to be fair.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Buckingham Palace Won't Release Meghan Markle Bullying Report Findings
They're avoiding pouring salt in already existing wounds.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince William and Kate Middleton Honor Cancer Campaigner Dame Deborah James After Her Passing
James sadly died of bowel cancer at 40.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Meghan Markle Calls Prince Harry a Feminist, Expresses Fear for Women's Safety Over Roe v. Wade Being Struck Down
The duchess spoke to Gloria Steinem about it.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince William Was Filmed Shouting at a Photographer Who Interrupted a Cambridge Family Bike Ride
The photographer was in breach of Kensington Palace privacy policy.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
The Queen Helped the Crown Princess of Greece With Her Wedding Dress as They Posed for a Portrait
Guest of honor, much???
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Meghan Markle's "Polo Wife" Delfina Blaquier Praises Duchess' "Big Heart" on Instagram
She's setting the record straight.
By Iris Goldsztajn