Additional Coverage:
- Prince William eager to ditch outdated royal Christmas traditions as King Charles resists the change: expert (foxnews.com)
Prince William Eyes Royal Christmas Makeover: Less Pomp, More… Whoopee Cushions?
It seems even royalty isn’t immune to a little holiday spirit shake-up! Prince William, the future King, is reportedly looking to sprinkle some modern magic on the traditional Christmas festivities at the palace. Think less rigid protocol and more “family chaos,” according to royal commentators.
Neil Sean, a royal commentator and broadcaster, spilled the tea to Fox News Digital, revealing William’s desire to ditch some of the more “forced” holiday traditions once he takes the throne.
One of the big targets? The long-standing Christmas Eve joke gift exchange.
Currently, royals line up at a trestle table, their seniority dictating their turn to grab a modest £1 or £5 gag gift – a tradition started by none other than Queen Elizabeth II herself. But William, it seems, isn’t keen on the “forced” nature of it.
“According to this recent report, William wants to get rid of it because he believes it’s forced,” Sean explained.
However, Sean clarified that the Prince isn’t looking to abolish the fun entirely. Instead, he envisions a more inclusive and less hierarchical approach, inspired by the informal gatherings of his wife, Princess Catherine’s family. Imagine a giant barrel where everyone, including palace staff, can just dive in and grab a random present – a true “lucky dip” for the royals!
“My sources tell me William enjoys the informal gatherings hosted by Princess Catherine’s family and wants to move in that direction – more family-oriented, less formal, and less about seniority,” Sean added.
But the Yuletide revamp doesn’t stop there. The famous Christmas Day walk to church is also reportedly on William’s radar for a “radical rethink.” While beloved by the public, William views Christmas Day as a “private and sacred day” and isn’t entirely thrilled about being “on display.”
This particular idea, however, might hit a snag within the royal ranks. King Charles III is reportedly keen on maintaining the public interaction, and surprisingly, Princess Catherine is said to be on the same page as her father-in-law. It appears this point will be a lively discussion for the future of the monarchy under King William.
Royal experts like Hilary Fordwich point to William’s general discomfort with “rigid class distinctions” and a desire to make the monarchy more relatable. From staff at the Duchy of Cornwall ditching ties to relaxing bowing protocols, William is all about “less pomp, more purpose.”
While the gift exchange might get a modern twist, its essence is likely here to stay. Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams quipped, “If the royals did not give each other joke gifts, it would be a joke.”
After all, when you have everything, what do you get the person who has everything? A whoopee cushion, apparently!
And speaking of whoopee cushions, the royal family has a history of gifting some truly wild and wacky presents. Queen Elizabeth II reportedly loved the “rude” gifts, with Prince Harry being a master of the craft, once gifting his grandmother a shower cap embroidered with “Ain’t Life a B—–.” Even King Charles III is said to still travel with an upholstered white leather toilet seat gifted by his sister, Princess Anne, who is known as “The Queen of Gifts.”
So, while William might be shaking things up, it seems the spirit of a good gag gift and a touch of holiday mischief will undoubtedly remain a cherished part of the royal Christmas. Just perhaps with a little less “pecking order” and a lot more “family chaos.”