Tiana Gullotta
Family & Pets

The awkward mistake Princess Diana made at her first Christmas as a royal

Princess Diana and Prince Charles were married less than six months before she was invited to the royal family’s annual Christmas festivities of December 1981.

The traditions of the royal family include the sharing and opening of presents on Christmas Eve at 6pm sharp according to The Mirror. To bring a playful twist to the festive season, all gifts bought for family members must be cheap and humorous.

Unfortunately, during Diana’s first Christmas as a royal, she wasn’t informed of the funny present rule and instead gifted the Queen’s daughter, Princess Anne, a cashmere sweater, whilst Diana received a toilet roll cosy.

Do not fret, Diana made up for this slip-up the following year by buying Duchess Fergie a leopard-print bath mat.

A few of the other humorous royal Christmas gifts over the years have included Duchess Catherine gifting then-single Prince Harry a ‘grow-your-own-girlfriend’ kit. As well as Prince Harry giving the Queen a shower cap with the catch-phrase “Ain’t life a bitch”.

Does your family have a similar tradition for Christmas gifts? Share them in the comments below.

Tags:
Christmas, royals, Princess Diana, Princes Charles