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Time of India
7 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Unusual and lavish gifts the royal family has received since 2020, revealed by Buckingham Palace
Credit: X/@RoyalFamily As the symbolic face of Britain, the Royal Family continues to hold a unique position of global reverence. From heads of state to members of the public, people across the world present gifts as gestures of respect, tradition, and goodwill—whether during official state visits or casual public engagements. According to Buckingham Palace's newly released gift records from 2020 to 2023, the answer ranges from the opulent—like a £340,000 Rolls-Royce—to the heartwarming, quirky, and sometimes downright unexpected—like a model slurry tanker, feather crowns, or even a soft toy camel. These annual records, delayed due to the pandemic and a series of historic royal events including Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee and passing, followed by King Charles III's accession and coronation, are a fascinating glimpse into a world where tradition, diplomacy, and symbolism intersect: A Glimpse into Royal Etiquette: The Rules Behind the Gifts While these gifts may sound extravagant or eccentric, it's important to understand the framework behind royal gifting. As per guidelines tightened after the 2003 Peat Inquiry (prompted by scandals involving the improper handling of gifts), all items received in the course of royal duties are catalogued. These are not personal possessions—they become part of the Royal Collection, a priceless archive held in trust for the nation. They cannot be sold or traded, though some items like food can be consumed, and perishable items valued under £150 may be donated to charity or staff. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Brass Idols - Handmade Brass Statues for Home & Gifting Luxeartisanship Buy Now Undo In essence, these gifts are diplomatic gestures, symbols of goodwill, and tokens of admiration. Rolls-Royce to Royal roots: Gifts to King Charles III The most headline-grabbing entry on the list came in May 2023: a Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II, presented to King Charles by King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain. Retailing at over £340,000, the luxury SUV is not for personal joyrides. Instead, it has been officially included into the Royal Fleet, housed at the Royal Mews in London, and will be reserved for state occasions. This grand gesture wasn't the only standout. King Charles also received: A feather crown, two beaded chest pieces, and two carved staffs from Amazonian Indigenous leaders Uyunkar Domingo Peas Nampichkai and Atossa Soltani. Two gold Blue Peter badges, one each for him and Queen Camilla , during a pre-Eurovision visit to Liverpool. A leather folder from U.S. President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden , containing printed letters between Queen Elizabeth II and President Eisenhower, along with a photograph of Eisenhower's UK visit. A framed mosaic, scrolled document on St Sophia Cathedral, and a signed Ukrainian ship's flag from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in February 2023. In a nod to his love for horticulture and sustainability, the King also received dozens of trees and bushes from various countries, including a tree from the King of Sweden, which he and Queen Camilla ceremonially planted at Windsor. Platinum Jubilee Tributes to the Late Queen Elizabeth II The years leading up to Queen Elizabeth II's passing were marked by an outpouring of affection, particularly during her Platinum Jubilee in 2022. Her gifts included: Two platinum and diamond brooches, from the Goldsmiths' Company and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic. A Cedar of Lebanon tree from Pope Francis, as part of The Queen's Green Canopy initiative. An intricately designed wine vessel from President Xi Jinping of China, featuring royal and auspicious Chinese motifs. A Tiffany sterling silver box and floral brooch from President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden during a tea visit at Windsor Castle . A gift set from the beloved British soap opera Coronation Street, including a presentation-case cobblestone, gin glasses, a commemorative book, and a bottle of 'Coronation Street gin.' More lighthearted additions included six dog jackets from the Australian Royal Air Force and a NASA face mask from the pandemic era. Queen Consort Camilla After her accession to the throne, Queen Camilla has received many gifts ranging from simple keepsakes to more special tokens. Among these are a locally-made tartan scarf, a delicate brooch, and a bouquet of flowers. Beyond these, she has also been honored with some rare and important gifts that reflect her royal status. Lapis Lazuli gemstones from H.E. Mr. Hamid Karzai, former President of Afghanistan The Order of Te Arikinui Queen Te Atairangikaahu (first-class honor) a first-class honor from Kiingi Tuheitia of New Zealand, reserved exclusively for senior royals, presented in May 2023 Locally-made tartan scarf gifted during a visit to the Port of Nigg Brooch from HH Sheikh Mishal al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah, Crown Prince of Kuwait The Prince and Princess of Wales: Caribbean swims and Childhood keepsakes During their royal tour of the Caribbean in 2022, Prince William and Princess Catherine were gifted items fit for underwater adventure: Snorkelling sets, wetsuits, diving fins, and swimming caps—all of which reflect the tropical charm of the region. Their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, also garnered attention from admirers: Cuddly toys, books, rugby shirts, and in one instance, a soft toy camel presented to William in Dubai on behalf of Prince Louis. Other earlier gifts included GAA jerseys, bottles of whiskey, and toiletry sets from Ireland's President Michael D. Higgins and First Lady Sabina during their 2020 visit. Princess Anne and the art of unusual gifting Few in the Royal Family receive gifts as unique as Princess Anne, who was presented with: A model of a slurry tanker Five mouth guards A collection of rugby balls, 51 acorns, edible goods, and tartan items Every gift, regardless of value or sentiment, is logged and stored—many at Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle. The palace is reportedly considering revising the 2003 gift policy to allow more low-cost, unofficial gifts to be donated directly to charitable causes, enhancing sustainability and community impact. Some floral tributes and food items are already distributed to local hospitals, care homes, and hospices, emphasizing the monarchy's effort to give back.
Daily Mirror
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Official gifts given to Royal Family disclosed including lavish Rolls-Royce
Buckingham Palace has revealed all the gifts given to members of the Royal Family over the years and while some of them are damn right extravagant, others may surprise you When you're a member of the Royal Family, you can expect a few fancy gifts from time to time, but some are rather surprising. Perhaps one of the most elaborate presents given to King Charles was a Rolls-Royce from the King of Bahrain, Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. Given to the King in May 2023, it's worth around $443,575 - or £329,545 and was a gift for his Coronation. The lavish car is said to be brought out for official purposes, including state occasions. But this isn't the only generous gift. During the month of his coronation, the monarch also received a feather crown, two beaded chest pieces and two carved staffs from Amazonian Indigenous leaders Uyunkar Domingo Peas Nampichkai and Atossa Soltani, reports Sky News. Former US president Joe Biden and then-first lady Jill Biden also gifted the King a leather folder containing printed letters between Queen Elizabeth II and former president Dwight D Eisenhower. In April that year, the King and Queen Camilla also received two gold Blue Peter badges from Blue Peter presenters during a visit to Liverpool ahead of the city hosting Eurovision. But that's not all - during an audience with Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelenskyy in February, the King was presented with a framed mosaic, a scrolled document about St Sophia Cathedral and a signed Ukrainian ship's flag. Meanwhile, Queen Elizabeth II was given a Cedar of Lebanon tree from Pope Francis in 2022 - the year of her Platinum Jubilee. The year before, during a visit to the Coronation Street set in Greater Manchester, she received a cobble from the original set in a presentation case. The avid Corrie fan was also presented with two gin glasses with a Manchester skyline silhouette design, a book entitled 60 Years Of Coronation Street and a bottle of Coronation Street gin. In 2020, Prince William and Kate, then the Duchess of Cambridge, were both gifted a toiletries set from the president of Ireland, Michael D Higgins and his wife Sabina Higgins. This is according to official records, which cover official gifts to most members of the royal family from 2020 to 2023. But did you know the Royal Family give each other presents on Christmas Eve as opposed to Christmas Day in keeping with their German heritage? And the presents they give to each other speak volumes about their family dynamics and sense of humour. Over the years, quirky presents have included a toilet seat and homemade chutney, according to Hello magazine. When she first joined the Royal Family, Princess Kate gave the late Queen some homemade chutney, a recipe from her own grandmother. Princess Anne gave her brother Charles a leather toilet set. She also once gifted her father, Prince Phillip, a pepper mill with a light on the end, to enable him to season his food during barbecues when it was dark.
Yahoo
16 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Rolls-Royce, Blue Peter badges and a mosaic from Zelenskyy: Buckingham Palace shares reveals the gifts given to the Royal Family
Buckingham Palace has released records of official gifts given to the Royal Family - including a Rolls-Royce for King Charles. According to the records, which cover official gifts to most members of the Royal Family from 2020 to 2023, the monarch was given the luxury vehicle by the King of Bahrain, Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. The Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II is not for personal use; instead, it's for official purposes including state occasions. Given to the King in May 2023, it retails for $443,575 - or around £329,545. Other gifts for the King during the month of his coronation include a feather crown, two beaded chest pieces and two carved staffs from Amazonian Indigenous leaders Uyunkar Domingo Peas Nampichkai and Atossa Soltani. Former US president Joe Biden and then-first lady Jill Biden also gifted Charles a leather folder containing printed letters between Queen Elizabeth II and former president Dwight D Eisenhower. In April that year, the King and Queen Camilla received two gold Blue Peter badges from Blue Peter presenters during a visit to Liverpool before the city hosted Eurovision. And during an audience with Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelenskyy in February, the King was presented with a framed mosaic, a scrolled document about St Sophia Cathedral, and a signed Ukrainian ship's flag. Other royal gifts include Queen Elizabeth II receiving a Cedar of Lebanon tree from Pope Francis in 2022 - the year of her Platinum Jubilee. During a visit to the Coronation Street set in Greater Manchester in 2021, she received a cobble from the original set in a presentation case, two gin glasses with Manchester skyline silhouette design and a selection of themed gifts including a book entitled 60 Years Of Coronation Street and a bottle of Coronation Street gin. In 2020, Prince William and Catherine, then the Duchess of Cambridge, were both gifted a toiletries set from the president of Ireland, Michael D Higgins, and his wife Sabina Higgins. Read more: Official gifts to the Royal Family can be worn and used, but are not considered the royals' personal property. The royals also do not pay tax on them. They can eat any food they are given, and perishable official gifts with a value under £150 can be given to charity or staff. Gifts cannot be sold or exchanged and eventually become part of the Royal Collection, which is held in trust for successors and the nation.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
King Charles gifted Rolls-Royce as coronation present
King Charles III received a Rolls-Royce as a coronation gift, an official register has revealed. Buckingham Palace has released records listing the official gifts received by members of the Royal Family from 2020 to 2023. The Rolls Royce Cullinan Series II motor car was given by the King of Bahrain Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa. It is thought to be worth at least £300,000, and will be used on official occasions and not for personal use. Other gifts on the list also included a feather crown from Amazonian Indigenous leaders, two gold Blue Peter badges and a tea set from Smythson of Bond Street. In April 2023, just before his coronation, the King received two gold Blue Peter badges, one each for himself and Camilla. They received the famous badges for their environmental work, support for young people through the Prince's Trust, now the King's Trust, and work highlighting the importance of literacy and reading from a young age respectively. For the coronation itself, alongside the Rolls-Royce, the Bahraini king gave Charles a decorative clock. Meanwhile, former President of the United States Joe Biden gave Charles a leather folder containing printed letters between Elizabeth II and President Dwight Eisenhower inviting him to the United Kingdom, with a photograph of the visit. The list also includes gifts presented to other members of the royal family including the Prince and Princess of Wales and the late Queen Elizabeth II. For her Platinum Jubilee, the late queen was gifted two lamp-posts which stand outside the Houses of Parliament in the form of bronze sculptures of heraldic beasts and a Cedar of Lebanon tree from Pope Francis. Official gifts can be worn and used, but are not considered the royals' personal property. The royals do not pay tax on them. Gifts cannot be sold or exchanged - though perishable official gifts with a value less than £150 can be given to charity or staff - and eventually become part of the Royal Collection, which is held in trust for successors and the nation. Usually the palace releases records listing the official gifts received by members of the royal family annually, however due to delays caused by the Covid pandemic, death of Elizabeth II and the coronation this is the first time a list has been published in the King's reign. Sign up here to get the latest royal stories and analysis every week with our Royal Watch newsletter. Those outside the UK can sign up here. Canada 'strong and free' and other takeaways from King's throne speech Royal Family tree: Charles III and the line of succession Candles, wreaths, famous faces: VE Day at 80 in pictures
Yahoo
a day ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
The British Air Force One is also an aerial tanker
Executive transport for heads of state provides a means of safe and secure travel. It can also serve as an ambassador in its own right on state visits. To show support and national pride, countries prefer to operate domestic executive transports. The VC-25s that serve as Air Force One were made by Boeing while Russia's Il-96 presidential transport aircraft were manufactured by Voronezh. Naturally, the British Royal Air Force operates a modified Airbus A330 for executive transport. Britain provides the Rolls-Royce engines as well as the wings for the A330. The civilian airliner serves as the base aircraft for the A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport. Also operated by the air forces of Australia, France, Saudia Arabia, and Singapore, the A330 MRTT can transport passengers, patients, cargo, and fuel for aerial refueling. 14 MRTTs, owned by AirTanker Holdings Limited, are operated under lease by the British RAF; in RAF service, the aircraft has the Voyager KC2 or KC3. Voyager KC3 with registration ZZ336 serves as the primary air transport for the British royal family, prime minister, and other government ministers. In 2016, ZZ336 was converted for a VIP transport mission with 58 business class-type seats in the front cabin, 100 premium economy-type seats in the rear cabin, media facilities, missile detection capability, and a secure satellite communication system. However, the aircraft retained its low-visibility, matte-gray military paint scheme. It was not until 2020 that the aircraft received its gloss-white and Union Flag livery and was named Vespina. However, Vespina is not used by the RAF in the aircraft logbook, as a callsign, or flight number; the A330 MRTT operates as ZZ336. Based at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, Vespina is flown by No. 10 Squadron RAF which operates the main fleet of Voyagers. On VIP missions, Vespina is typically flies with a crew of 13: a pilot, co-pilot, nine flight attendants, and two pursers. Interestingly, Vespina still retains its aerial refueling capability. The aircraft has a total fuel load of 244,000 pounds and can dispense 110,231 pounds to receiver aircraft through its two under-wing hoses and refueling pods or its centerline Fuselage Refueling Unit. In December 2022, Vespina deployed to Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar to support the FIFA World Cup with air-to-air refueling and aerial security sorties. Vespina sometimes flies as the lead aircraft in formation with the RAF Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows; this role was previously filled by a British Airways Concorde. During the Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, Vespina conducted a flypast (flyover) of London.
