Prince Louis, the youngest child of Prince William and Kate Middleton, received a mountain of gifts from well-wishers during the royal family’s Christmas Day walkabout at Sandringham. The abundance of presents even prompted Prince William to help his 6-year-old son carry them, jokingly pointing out the flowers for Charlotte and the chocolate for George and Louis. This heartwarming scene raises the question: Do the young royals get to keep all these gifts?
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(613×440:615×442)/prince-william-george-charlotte-louis-christmas-church-sandringham-122524-a10c00c8b73a47edb014a830f80b0172.jpg)
The sheer volume of presents Louis received led him to ask his father, “Papa, can you carry some?” Among the many gifts was a special one from 6-year-old Rupert Bradley: a hand-finished silver egg cup and spoon commemorating King Charles’s Coronation. Rupert’s mother explained that her son, the same age as Louis, felt a connection with the young prince and wanted to share his own Christmas gift. This thoughtful gesture highlights the public’s affection for the young royals.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(570×273:572×275)/prince-louis-christmas-church-sandringham-122524-6480a2e7a1be4f80b7b2717ec54a8d2a.jpg)
But what happens to all the gifts showered upon Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis? Official royal gift policy dictates which presents the royal family can keep. Permissible gifts include flowers, food, and other consumable items in reasonable quantities. Books from authors are also acceptable, provided the content isn’t controversial. Additionally, royals can keep items of lesser monetary value, specifically those under £150 (approximately $188).
Official gifts received during state visits, for instance, are treated differently. These gifts are either used by royal family members or displayed publicly, ultimately becoming part of the Royal Collection. This distinction underscores the protocol surrounding gifts received in an official capacity versus those from the public.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(653×508:655×510)/princess-charlotte-prince-louis-george-christmas-church-sandringham-122524-b060e1abcb5544a0bf76653ff9067cee.jpg)
Beyond the gifts, the Christmas Day walkabout provided heartwarming moments for the royal family and the public. Kate Middleton, reportedly lost in conversation with well-wishers, humorously exclaimed, “I seem to have lost my family!” as William and the children moved ahead. Prince William also shared a lighthearted exchange with George and Charlotte, inquiring about a dog in a pram, creating a memorable Christmas moment for all involved. The day concluded with the family returning to Sandringham House for their traditional Christmas lunch. This year’s Christmas at Sandringham showcased the joy of the season and the warmth of the royal family’s interactions with the public.
