Princess Diana broke the Queen's 'golden rule' during her first royal Christmas
Princess Diana broke an all-important "golden rule" when she attended her first royal Christmas as Prince Charles' new wife in 1981.
- A royal Christmas present tradition of exchanging silly and cheap gifts on Christmas Eve left Princess Diana breaking one of the Queen's golden rules.
- Diana, unaware of the rule of avoiding expensive gifts, slipped up and bought a lovely gift for Princess Anne.
- In other royal news, the Queen has issued a heartbreaking plea to Prince William after being kept ‘awake at night’ by grandson’s ‘risk’.
As a tribute to their German roots, the royals have openly shared that they prefer to exchange smaller, lighthearted gifts on Christmas Eve.
During her first Christmas with The Firm at Sandringham, Princess Diana missed the mark when it came to the tradition for cheap and cheerful presents.
Instead of a cheeky novelty gift, Diana presented Princess Anne with a rather luxurious present.
Going down the route of a glamorous gift, the Princess of Wales bought her new sister-in-law a beautiful cashmere sweater, breaking the rule of inexpensive, cheery, and humorous gifts.
However, the following Christmas, Diana hit the nail on the head by buying a leopard print bath mat for her sister-in-law Sarah Ferguson.
Princess Di wasn't the only new royal bride to have to adapt to the strange festive rule. Megan Markle continued the custom of unusual royal Christmas gifts by purchasing a singing toy hamster for the Queen and a novelty spoon with 'cereal killer' written on for Prince William, during her first year at Sandringham.
GoodtoKnow Newsletter
Parenting advice, hot topics, best buys and family finance tips delivered straight to your inbox.
In the past, Princess Anne bought her brother Charles a white leather toilet seat, while the Queen was reportedly given a shower cap with the words 'Ain't life a b*tch?' written on, by her grandson Prince Harry.
Following a run of high-profile romances before to his marriage to Megan Markle, Kate Middleton famously gave Harry a 'build your own girlfriend' kit.
Unlike other British families, the royals open their gifts on Christmas Eve, in keeping with their Germanic roots. Before each family member opens their gifts, they are cornered off into a pile around 6pm. The process was previously handled by Prince Philip, who gave each royal permission to unwrap their gifts.
Kudzai Chibaduki joined Future as a trainee news writer for Good To, writing about fashion, entertainment, and beauty. She's now a freelance fashion wardrobe stylist and helps direct magazine photoshoots.
-
20 trendiest toys for outdoor fun this summer have been revealed, and #1 is a playground classic
New analysis has found the trendiest toys for outdoor play this summer, including sporting favourites and more gentle pursuits
By Sarah Handley Published
-
Why do babies need to lie flat in a pram?
Wondering why babies need to lie flat? Experts reveal all — plus whether or not a baby should sleep in a pram
By Charlotte Duck Published
-
Princess Charlotte would have meant ‘everything’ to late grandmother Princess Diana, reveals former royal butler
Despite never getting the chance to meet her, Princess Charlotte has so much in common with her late grandmother
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
The unexpected way King Charles made sure his son Prince William met Kate Middleton - and he could never have guessed how important the ‘fatherly’ advice would be
Without some stern advice from his father, Prince William may never have met his future wife
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
Princess Diana’s brother reveals ‘difficult’ job he undertook for his sister when she became a royal - and shares her biggest childhood fear
Earl Charles Spencer has revealed the one thing Diana was 'terrified' of in childhood - and many will relate
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
King Charles is reportedly writing up his ‘succession plans’ and they could have major implications for Prince George, Charlotte and Louis
There will be winners and losers in the plan, but how will it impact the Wales children?
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
Prince Harry reveals telling insight into his current relationship with father King Charles - and shares ‘top secret’ update on Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet in surprise TV interview
Harry has spoken publicly about his father for the first time since his cancer diagnosis
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
Queen Elizabeth was reportedly left ‘very upset’ by King Charles’ harsh and very public criticism of her parenting style
The King has been open about growing up with 'emotionally distant' parents
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
King Charles and Prince William are ‘like many fathers and sons’ and refuse to ‘admit’ to this one very relatable thing
As royals, their relationship may be unique but they're like any other father and son when it comes down to it
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
Royal expert reveals how Princess Diana’s death prepared Prince William for this unexpected aspect of parenting
“William is, sadly, perfectly placed to help"
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published