PRINCESS Diana would return or give away some of Prince William and Prince Harry’s gifts, her former bodyguard has said.
The People’s Princess was well known for breaking royal protocol and her former security, Ken Wharfe, has now told how determined she was to keep her boys down to earth.
He says that every festive season young William and Harry would be sent hoards of gifts from businesses, as well as members of the public.
But the Princess of Wales was so mindful that her children could be spoiled, that she would donate many to charity – or even return them.
Mr Wharfe told OK! : “Diana was very careful to ensure that they weren’t flooded with gifts – gifts did appear from unknown sources, and they were often returned or given to charity because they didn’t need them.
He said that “she was very conscious about what she bought” because she “knew the hallway at Sandringham would be full of presents.”
And when it came to buying toys and books for her son, Mr Wharfe said Diana would always shop herself, rather than send staff.
He said: “She was very generous with gifts. She knew the ground floor plan at Harrods and Harvey Nichols and shopping was always a hands-on experience.”
And it’s thought that this mindset was passed on to Prince William from Diana, as he is careful to make sure his own children are not spoilt.
Royal expert and author Duncan Larcombe told The Mirror: “I think we’re looking at three Christmases rolled into one for William and Kate and their children.
“There will be Christmas on their own with their kids, the more formal celebrations at Sandringham with William’s family and then time with Kate’s family, the Middletons.
“But something we know for sure about William and Kate is that they want their children to feel normal and so they certainly won’t be lavishing them with expensive gifts, that’s for certain. They won’t let them be spoiled.”
It comes as the Queen last week told the Royal Family she is now “far better” and able to host the traditional Christmas at Sandringham following her health scare, according to sources.
Her Majesty, 95, has moved to reassure her family she is on the mend and “looking forward” to the festive family gathering at her Norfolk estate.
Fears over the Queen’s health were sparked in recent weeks after the monarch was forced to pull out of a number of engagements due to a back sprain.
On the advice of her doctors she has been resting at Windsor Castle after becoming injured almost two weeks ago.
Last month she spent a night in hospital for an unspecified condition.
This Christmas will be the first for The Queen after she lost her husband, Prince Philip in April.
They had been married for 73 years.
It is thought The Queen will travel to Sandringham around December 17.
