Royal Family's strict present rule that left Prince Harry 'disappointed'

The Royal Family have a little-known Christmas present rule that reportedly left Prince Harry “disappointed” as a youngster.

According to Royal author Craig Brown, the Royals have a “ridiculously low” spending limit - around £5 - for Christmas gifts. It meant they would have to think of presents that are “quirky or a little bit cheeky”.

In his book Voyage Around the Queen, Brown says “an inflatable toilet seat” or “grow-your-own-girlfriend kits” would be typical gifts they would exchange. Brown says expensive and luxurious Christmas gifts were “frowned upon” by the Royals.

Brown says that, during a tour of Sandringham, his guide revealed older family members “really appreciate” the smaller gifts, although the younger Royals have sometimes struggled with the rule. He writes: “Seemingly, they don’t want for much at all – and unfortunately some of the newer members of the Royal Family have fallen foul of that rule.

“But just to give you an idea, the spend limit is ridiculously low, I don’t know what the current limit is – but probably five pounds would be the absolute maximum, so you’ve got to think of something quirky or perhaps a little bit cheeky, or something you’ve made yourself – a jar of chutney or a jar of jam. Those sorts of things are really appreciated.

“To give you an idea of some of the jokey presents – and I’m not sure I should be saying this! – an inflatable toilet seat perhaps, or a grow-your-own-girlfriend kit. These are things we know have been given in the past – and I’m not going to reveal who gave them or who received them! Or a whoopee cushion is another one! So, rather childish presents! But that’s what they enjoy receiving.”

In his memoir Spare, Prince Harry recalled one year where he was sat in the Sandringham Estate on Christmas Eve, preparing to unwrap presents, when he chose one from Princess Margaret. He wrote: “Standing before my pile, I chose to open the smallest present first.

“The tag said: ‘From Aunt Margo.’ I looked over, called out: ‘Thank you, Aunt Margo!’”

Harry claims he then tore open the paper and discovered a pen, which Princess Margaret pointed out was wrapped in a small rubber fish. Harry continues: “I said: ‘Oh. A biro. Wow.’”

“She said: ‘Yes. A biro.’”

“But it wasn’t just any biro, she pointed out. It had a tiny rubber fish wrapped around it.”

“I said: ‘Oh. A fish biro! OK.’”

“I told myself: That is cold-blooded.”

Brown claims the duke’s “disappointment is unassuaged”. Although he says Harry “fails to mention” the limit usually imposed on presents.