Princess Diana “hated” spending Christmas at Sandringham – author (Image: Getty)
The had a disdain for and “hated” spending the festivities at Sandringham, according to her biographer Andrew Morton.The royal author wrote ‘Diana: Her True Story’ claiming her dislike began as early as her first Christmas in 1981 – just five months after she married Charles on July 29, 1981.Despite Diana being pregnant at the time with , Princess Diana still took the time “to buy her new family members thoughtful and expensive gifts” reports .
Diana reportedly told Morton: “It was highly fraught. I know I gave, but I can’t remember being a receiver. Isn’t that awful? I do all the presents, and Charles signs the cards. [It was] terrifying and so disappointing.”
Don’t miss… [EXPLAINER]
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Princess Diana at Sandringham after Christmas service (Image: getty)
The late Princess Diana also told the royal biographer she felt as though she was an “outsider”.
She explained: “No boisterous behavior, lots of tension, silly behavior, silly jokes that outsiders would find odd, but insiders understood.”Diana also reportedly claimed she was “mortified” when she found out the , as she handed her sister-in-law Princess Anne a cashmere sweater, only to receive a toilet paper holder in return.
According to reports, once gave his grandmother, the late , a hilarious Christmas present that she absolutely loved – in Balmoral as she loved it so much.
The gag gift was reportedly hanging above the grand piano at Balmoral Castle.
Don’t miss…
Occasionally joke presents were taken seriously, as depicted in Harry’s bombshell memoir, Spare, released in 2023. has revealed that around it for Christmas one year – which he saw as “cold-blooded” – and said he thought he and his “Aunt Margo” should have been closer.
The prince shared his wish that he had been closer with Margaret as they had much in common in both being the “spare” to their older sibling with similar “rivalry”.The Duke also drew comparisons between Margaret and his mother Diana, as they both rebelled against traditional expectations set by the crown.
when Harry was 17. Her health had deteriorated for the last 20 years of her life – in part the result of heavy smoking.