When Prince Harry spent Christmas 2012 on active duty in Afghanistan, he received a thoughtful yet humorous festive gift from his father, then-Prince Charles.
Royal biographer Robert Lacey revealed the details in his book Battle of Brothers, shedding light on the lighthearted gesture amid a challenging time.
Having qualified as an Apache helicopter pilot in April 2011—the same month his brother, Prince William, married Kate Middleton—Harry was deployed to Helmand Province over the holidays.
Back at Sandringham, the Queen included Harry in her prayers during the royal family’s Christmas lunch, while the young prince embraced the camaraderie of military life by donning a Santa hat to cook breakfast for his crew at Camp Bastion.
He later queued alongside his fellow servicemen for a traditional turkey dinner.
Among the festive cheer, Harry unwrapped a Christmas parcel from Charles containing Highgrove honey and a box of Cuban cigars.
But in true Harry style, the Duke of Sussex didn’t hold onto the indulgent items for long. Instead, he traded them with fellow officers for sweets and chocolates, cementing his reputation as a team player with a mischievous streak.
The story offers a glimpse into Harry’s adaptability and his father’s personal touch, even during a holiday spent thousands of miles from home.
King Charles has turned his love for nature into a royal venture by selling jars of honey made from pollen gathered by bees at his countryside home, Highgrove House.
The Highgrove Royal Orchard Summer Honey, priced at £7.95 per jar, is available for delivery across the UK and internationally, offering a sweet taste of regal refinement.
While a jar of this honey once made its way to Prince Harry as a Christmas gift, the Duke of Sussex has also received far more extravagant presents from his wife, Meghan Markle.
Among them is the iconic Cartier Love Bracelet, estimated to be worth over £5,000.
Crafted in 18-carat yellow gold and encrusted with diamonds, the bracelet is designed to symbolize eternal love.
It even comes with a miniature screwdriver to secure it to the wearer’s wrist. Meghan, known for her impeccable style, also sports a matching bracelet, adding a touch of coordinated luxury to their love story.
From sweet honey to dazzling diamonds, the gifts exchanged within the royal family showcase a blend of thoughtful tradition and modern opulence.