Gifts fit for royals: Gnomes, glitterballs and a fake hand

GOLD and jewels are undoubtedly perfect presents for members of the Royal Family.

But it’s the more unpredictable offerings that stand out – a prosthetic hand, for example, or two fabric gnomes and some glitterballs for the Queen’s Christmas tree.

These were among the items listed yesterday when Buckingham Palace, Clarence House and Kensington Palace published their annual list of official gifts received.

Some were clearly of enormous monetary value. Prince Edward received an unspecified brand of watch, ‘accessories’ and a golden clock from the Sultan of Brunei, one of the richest men in the world, while

‘Union flag from Tim Peake’s spacesuit’

his wife the Countess of Wessex got what is simply described as a ‘ jewellery set’ – likely to be high end – as well as a clock.

Prince Charles’s gifts from the sultan included a set containing a watch, a pair of cufflinks, a ring and a ballpoint pen.

The Queen also received gifts from the sultan – including a silver-plated filigree ornament – but it was some of her more unusual presents that caught the eye, such as two sets of Christmas tree glitterballs from the president of Germany.

She also received the Union flag from British astronaut Major Tim Peake’s spacesuit, as well as a purple fleece dog bed for her pets.

The prosthetic hand was presented to Prince Andrew by University Technical College in Leeds, while the two fabric gnomes were given to Prince William by a member of the public in Finland.

Prince George and Princess Charlotte received 59 gifts on their trip to Poland and Germany in July, as well as other presents throughout the year. They included 17 soft toys, five Tintin figurines, two lollipops and a dreamcatcher.

Prince Philip received a travel backgammon set from the luxury leather goods firm Smythson, as well as a traditional Spanish cloak from the King and Queen of Spain.

Official gifts can be used by the royal who receives them, but are not their personal property. Gifts cannot be sold and are considered part of the Royal Collection, held in trust by the Queen for her successors and the nation.

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