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.
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.
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