Extremely Frugal Habits of British Royals
The British royal family might have access to historic estates and state banquets, but behind closed doors, their everyday choices can be surprisingly down-to-earth. Many of the habits of these royals are no different from those of commoners. They repair worn-out gloves, turn leftovers into next-day meals, and their Christmas gifts can be downright goofy.
Kate’s Big-Day Beauty Hack
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When Kate Middleton walked down the aisle in 2011, she didn’t have a celebrity glam team backstage. After taking private lessons from a pro, she confidently took the reins on her wedding day. It was polished, simple, and impressively low-maintenance for one of the most photographed brides in the world.
Ribbon Gets a Second Life
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After gifts were unwrapped on Christmas Eve, Queen Elizabeth didn’t just toss the mess. She picked through the pile, folded the paper, and rolled up bits of ribbon and string by hand. According to biographer Kate Williams, she kept it all for the next year.
Simple Start to the Day
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While many imagine a royal breakfast involves smoked fish and endless pastries, Queen Elizabeth often began her mornings with a bowl of cereal or porridge. Stored in plastic containers for freshness, her breakfast routine was incredibly modest. Brands like Special K and cornflakes were her go-tos.
A Space Heater in the Palace
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Queen Elizabeth relied on portable electric heaters in the spaces she actually used. These small heaters, some costing just £20 ($37), were spotted in fireplaces at Balmoral and other royal residences. She even posted signs in the palace reminding staff to switch off unused lights.
Gag Gifts Over Gold
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People would think that the powerful clan usually receives diamonds and designer watches on special occasions. But the royal family’s Christmas gifts tend to lean goofy rather than grand. Meghan Markle once gave Queen Elizabeth a singing hamster that made her laugh out loud.
Princess Anne’s Closet Time Machine
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Fashion doesn’t move fast in Princess Anne’s wardrobe. One dress she wore at Royal Ascot in 1988 made repeat appearances in 1992, 1994, and 2014. Many of her clothes have been seen across decades.
A Proposal With Poultry
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There was no luxury resort, champagne-soaked dinner, or string quartet when Prince Harry proposed to Meghan Markle. The moment happened at home while roasting a chicken. The “Suits” star later described it as “just an amazing surprise.”
Toys and Cots With History
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When Prince Edward was born, he didn’t get a brand-new nursery. He slept in the same cream-colored cot that had been used by his siblings before him. His toys were also hand-me-downs. There was no rush to update or upgrade. The royals simply made use of what they already had.
Creative Leftovers
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Chef Carolyn Robb, who worked for Charles and Diana, shared that leftover food at the palace was never thrown away. Roast lamb one night could turn up in shepherd’s pie the next. Prince Charles even asked for small portions to avoid waste.
Royals in the Aisle at the Grocery Store
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The Princess of Wales has been spotted shopping in regular supermarkets, especially during her time in Anglesey with Prince William. She often handled the family groceries herself. Prince Harry, too, has been seen picking out items on his own.
Affordable Fashion Moments
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Kate has worn dresses from Zara and Gap, while Meghan favors brands like Everlane and J.Crew. One £39.99 ($55) floral Zara dress Kate wore to a polo match sold out immediately. Interestingly, this not only highlights their practicality but also proves they can carry outfits of different prices well!
Pudding on a Budget
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In 2017, Queen Elizabeth gave each of her 1,500 palace staff members a Christmas pudding. But instead of ordering from a luxury grocer, she chose Tesco’s Finest range at just £8 ($11.10) each. Every pudding came with a card signed by the Queen and Prince Philip.
Fabric With a 20-Year Wait
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Queen Elizabeth once wore a gown to a 2008 state banquet in Slovenia that was made from brocade fabric she had received over two decades earlier during a Middle Eastern tour. It had sat in storage all that time before finally being sewn into a gold-and-silver evening dress. The press dubbed it “credit crunch couture.”
Renting, Not Buying
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At the Castle of Mey in Scotland, the Queen Mother rented a television and video player each summer instead of buying one outright. According to palace aides, the VCR often failed to record horse races, but she stuck with it anyway.
Gloves That Outlast the Decades
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Queen Elizabeth didn’t believe in replacing things unnecessarily. She regularly wore gloves that had been in her collection for 40 years or more. Rather than toss them when they aged, she had them washed and mended. Her long-time glove maker confirmed she kept old pairs in rotation.