Royal RIFT? The odd but true reason the royals are FORBIDDEN from playing Monopoly
The Royal Family gather at the Queen’s home in Sandringham every year over the festive period and they often sit down together with a board game but, according to Prince Andrew, they are not allowed to play the classic trading game Monopoly.
The Queen has a 'favourite' child reveals royal expert
In December 2008, the Duke of York visited Leeds Building Society’s newly-refurbished Albion Street headquarters. Before leaving, the Duke was gifted with the property board game Monopoly to mark his visit. However, Andrew had to politely decline the freebie as he reportedly revealed “we are not allowed to to play Monopoly at home”.
He then explained the game might cause a rift in the family, as “it gets too vicious”, the Daily Telegraph reported.
The second son of Queen Elizabeth II did not disclose what they play in its place at Christmas, but a 2018 report might shed more light on the Royal Family’s board game traditions.
Following months of speculations about an alleged rift between Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle, The Sun reported that the two enjoyed some good-natured Scrabble over the last Christmas holidays.
An insider told the publication: “If German and British troops could put their differences to one side to play football during World War One, the feeling was Kate and Meghan could follow suit for Scrabble.
“After watching the Queen’s speech, the board games were brought out and both women got stuck in.
“Pregnant Meghan wasn’t drinking but Kate had a glass of wine or two, and everyone was in great spirits.
“They were chuckling along together.
“You wouldn’t know there was any tension between the two.
“It was a wonderful day and night.”
Even if it does not fall under the category of board games, the whole family also reportedly enjoys playing Charades on the evening of Christmas Day, reeling off impersonations of world leaders, VIPs and stars they have met throughout the year.
It must have been easy for Meghan who, before marrying into the Royal Family, was a successful Hollywood actress.
However, before Christmas last year, one aide warned: “They [the royals] don’t like show-offs, especially newcomers who show off.