The Royal Family's Light-Hearted Annual Gift Exchange

2022 brought many changes for the Royal Family, chief among them, the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. And while life in the House of Windsor has transitioned into the reign of King Charles III, there are certain traditions that can likely be counted upon this year— even though it is the first without the much beloved matriarch. One among such a tradition that can be counted upon if past years are any indication: the light, less formal tone of the annual Christmas gift exchange. In fact, the Windsors have a penchant for giving each other cheeky gifts to celebrate the holiday because when you already own the Crown Jewels, perhaps the only thing that comes close in comparison is a hearty belly laugh.

Every year on Christmas Eve, members of the royal family gather at the Sandringham Estate where they exchange presents following afternoon tea. In the past, the now-departed Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip and their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren reportedly take part in their gift exchange on Christmas Eve rather than Christmas Day, in a nod to their German ancestry.

The family has been reported to gather in the red drawing room at 6 p.m., where gifts have been secretly laid out for each family member. But that's where the staid family traditions end because the Windsors like a gift with an admittedly silly tone.

For example, The Mirror reported that one year Prince Harry gifted his granny a shower cap that had "Ain't Life a B****" emblazoned across the front. And it has also been reported that before Prince Harry was married Meghan Markle, his sister-in-law Kate Middleton gave him a "Grow Your Own Girlfriend" gift as a gag.

Other silly presents that have been exchanged over the years according to The Mirror include a leather toilet seat, which Princess Anne once gave her older brother, the then-Prince Charles, and a leopard print bath mat, which Fergie received from Princess Diana.

So really, the only question we have is: who is going to prank King Charles III during his first year of hosting duties.

You Might Also Like

• Oprah’s Favorite Things of 2022 Is Here—Gift These 20 Amazing Finds This Year

• 12 Weekend Getaway Spas For Every Type of Occasion

• 13 Beauty Tools to Up Your At-Home Facial Game