Queen Elizabeth’s Christmas gifts

Queen Elizabeth’s Christmas gifts
Getty Images

In many ways, it’s safe to say that Queen Elizabeth is not like us common folks. Not only does she own a lot of swans and dolphins (seriously!), nearly 50 places around the world are named after her, too. However, Her Majesty does have one quality that we can all relate to: she enjoys Christmas just as much as we do.

Find out which Christmas gift from Diana Charles hated.

Advertisement

Making time to celebrate

Making time to celebrate
Getty Images

The Queen’s holiday season isn’t exclusively reserved for her family, though. In addition to her annual Christmas speech that’s broadcast throughout the world, she also makes time to celebrate with her royal staff members.

Don’t miss these handy tricks for keeping your sanity if you’re hosting Christmas.

Giving something extra

Giving something extra
Getty Images

Each December, Queen Elizabeth gives each member of her 550-person staff a gift or book voucher, each loaded with a dollar amount that varies depending on how long they have worked in her service. She also gives them around 1500 Christmas puddings to share between them, according to the official royal website. (For all the math pros out there, that’s nearly three puddings per person!) Every gift comes with a little extra something: a greeting card from Queen Elizabeth and her husband, Prince Philip.

Check out these Christmas present hiding hacks.

Adhering to procedures

Adhering to procedures
Shutterstock

Like many other procedures in the British monarchy, there is a strict protocol regarding how the employees receive their gifts, according to the Express. A senior officer calls out each person’s name according to their rank, starting with the most senior household staff. Then, the Queen personally hands each staff member his or her gift.

The palace staff aren’t the only ones receiving some Christmas joy from the Queen. Her Majesty also donates money to charities in Windsor, plus offers Christmas trees to churches and schools around the United Kingdom. Now that’s what we call the Christmas spirit!

Sign up here to get Reader’s Digest’s favourite stories straight to your inbox!

Source: RD.com

Never miss a deal again - sign up now!

Connect with us: