Diana ‘left out in the cold’ after buying expensive Xmas gifts for Royals when Charles didn’t tell her about tradition
PRINCESS Diana was “left out in the cold” when Charles didn’t tell her about one major Christmas royal present tradition.
Typically, the royals exchange “gag gifts” on Christmas Eve - but Charles forgot to mention this to Diana ahead of her first festive season at Sandringham.
In December 1981, Princess Diana headed to The late Queen's estate for Christmas with her new husband Prince Charles.
However, the latest addition to the family was left mortified when she realised the Royals always opt for low-key presents - and she hadn't been warned in advance.
Speaking to The Sun, royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams said: “Diana famously didn’t handle this gag gift tradition well.
“The tradition in Sandringham is to give these little sort of jokey presents.
“But Diana was left out in the cold because Charles never told her about this family tradition - and how was she to know?
“Diana resented it. She was very very bitter. She left as though she was being made the joke.
“Everything has to be funny, cheap, or both - but she brought cashmere jumpers - expensive presents.
“She was mortified when she was the only one.”
However, she didn't make the same mistake again and reportedly gave her sister-in-law Sarah Ferguson a leopard print bath mat the following year.
It comes after it was revealed that the late Queen let her corgies maul a Christmas present given to her by Meghan Markle.
The Duchess of Sussex gifted a “bizarre” hamster toy to the Queen in 2017 during Meghan’s first trip to Sandringham for the festive season.
The Queen reportedly "burst out laughing" and told Meghan: "It can keep my dogs company."
Gifts are opened on Christmas Eve, which is a tradition inherited from the German side of the family.
This year Prince William and Kate Middleton are expected to spend December 25 at Sandringham, as is tradition, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle “have not yet been invited.”
The last time the couples celebrated the festive period together was five years ago in 2018, and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are thought to be planning on celebrating again in California.
