With Christmas just weeks away you might be wondering what to get the royal enthusiast in your life … or maybe you’re just looking for ideas to put on your wish list. Our team has rounded up a few of their favourite ideas from apparel to decorations, books and more. Read on for the first-ever Royal Central gift guide and see what our editorial team hopes to find under the tree this year.
Kristin Contino, Chief Reporter
Royal ornaments
If you follow me on Instagram you know I’m quite a royal Christmas ornament enthusiast. Each year I pick up a few new ornaments in my travels to various castles and palaces, and I actually have so many now that they are displayed on their own tree! Each one has a specific memory and story to it, and my little royal tree always makes me smile. If you aren’t able to visit a royal residence (or gift shop) this year, you can order some lovely decorations from the official Royal Collection online shop.
HRH sweatshirt
I’ve been eyeing up this HRH sweatshirt from our friends at Meghan’s Mirror for a while now. It’s the perfect cosy outfit to wear when you’re hanging around the house during the festive break and gives your look that little royal touch without being over the top. You can get yours in the Meghan’s Mirror Etsy shop.
Brittani Barger, Deputy Editor
Royal-themed books
I’m a book lover, so I enjoy getting and giving books for the holidays. My first choice is American Royals by Katherine McGhee. It’s about a fictional American royal family, but I really enjoyed the “alternate universe” of the United States. The Other Side of the Coin: The Queen, the Dresser and the Wardrobe by Angela Kelly is another great pick as she has dressed The Queen for years! And if you have a young child in your family, you can get them A day with The Queen by Diana Del-Negro, which I reviewed here on the site and loved!
Charity jewellery
If you are a fan, or know someone who is, of the Swedish Royal Family, you can support Princess Sofia of Sweden’s Project Playground with a purchase of a hematite or gold bracelet from their website. You can support Queen Silvia’s World Childhood Foundation (which celebrated its 20th anniversary this year) with the purchase of a Childhood bracelet, as well. I have both of these bracelets myself, and I love wearing them!
Moniek Bloks, Assistant Editor
Books
I am an avid reader but also a writer and, of course, can not stop myself from recommending my own book Carolina of Orange-Nassau: Ancestress of the Royal Houses of Europe. It is a great introduction to a lesser-known woman whose descendants sit on all the thrones of Europe. Some other books I loved this year are Katherine Howard: Henry VIII’s Slandered Queen by Conor Byrne, Ira: The Life and Times of a Princess by Nicholas Foulkes, The Tragic Daughters of Charles I: Mary, Elizabeth & Henrietta Anne by Sarah-Beth Watkins, and Anna, Duchess of Cleves: The King’s ‘Beloved Sister’ by Heather R. Darsie.
Historically-themed jewellery
I love jewellery with a story behind it and I own several bracelets related to Anne Boleyn and the Tudors from TudorDynastyJewels on Etsy. They also sell the famous Anne Boleyn B necklace and crown rings based on The White Queen TV series.
Jess Ilse, Editorial Assitant and Reporter
Royal Wedding Dresses Infographic Print:
The most iconic British royal wedding dresses in history—from Queen Victoria to Princess Eugenie—is a must-have for those who love the British royals and a good royal wedding.
The Royal We by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan
When American college student Bex Porter does a semester abroad at a Scottish university, she meets a charming prince and falls in love. Sound familiar? This alternate William and Kate novel was written by the Fug Girls and is unputdownable. The best part? The sequel, The Heir Affair, is coming summer 2020!
Together: Our Community Cookbook by the women of the Hubb Kitchen (with a foreword by The Duchess of Sussex)
Delicious recipes, a royal connection, and support of a great cause: three reasons why this cookbook from the women who operate a community kitchen in the aftermath of the Grenfell Tower fire is a must-have.
Lydia Starbuck, Desk Editor
A right royal kitchen
I love china and tea so anything I could drink my morning cuppa from would be the perfect pick. Highgrove House has a pretty range of mugs featuring all kinds of lovely, bright designs – this one showing a plan of the Prince of Wales’ gardens there also provide a bit of an insight into how Charles’ famous interest in all things environmental has come to life. And just to keep things in the family, I’d also ask Santa for this special tea towel from Kensington Palace which marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of Queen Victoria, an event we’ve been marking throughout the year on Royal Central.
Royals on Film
You can’t beat a good movie at Christmas and those long afternoons of the holidays would be the perfect time to catch up with some of the best known royal films of all time. The Romy Schneider films on the life of Empress Elisabeth of Austria-Hungary, otherwise known as ‘Sissi’, are almost as famous as the royal woman they portray and this box set has Christmas viewing stamped all over it and would be one to enjoy over and over again. ‘The Lion in Winter’ falls into that same category. This Oscar-winning movie features Katherine Hepburn as Eleanor of Aquitaine – what’s not to love?
Of course, we can’t forget our partners at True Royalty. Royal Central readers get an exclusive discount when signing up, so it makes for a perfect Christmas gift! Click the link below to access your discount:
