December 28, 2024: Prince William recently shared a funny and lighthearted anecdote about a rather unconventional gift he once gave to his wife, Kate Middleton, early in their relationship.
During an interview, the Prince of Wales revealed that he once gifted Kate a pair of binoculars, a gesture that has since become a long-running joke between the couple. “I did get my wife a pair of binoculars once. She’s never let me forget that,” William confessed, with a chuckle. “That was early on in the courtship — I think that sealed the deal.”
Despite the good intentions, the gift didn’t exactly hit the mark. William admitted, “It didn’t go well. Honestly, I have no idea why I bought her a pair of binoculars, it seemed like a good idea at the time.” Though the binoculars were not a gift Kate would have chosen for herself, the memory has become one that they both laugh about. William humorously noted that his wife has “never let me forget” the quirky present, which has clearly become a fond, albeit embarrassing, story from the early days of their relationship.
The couple met in 2001 at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland, and their romance grew over the years before they married in a grand ceremony at Westminster Abbey in April 2011. While the binoculars may not have been the best choice, they are part of the couple’s shared history and have become a symbol of their early connection.
This funny story also ties into the broader royal family tradition of exchanging humorous and sometimes cheeky gifts during the holidays. Prince Harry, for example, shared in his 2023 memoir Spare that he once received a fish-shaped ballpoint pen from Princess Margaret. There are also reports that Harry gifted Queen Elizabeth II a cheeky shower cap inscribed with the words “Ain’t life a b–h.” Meanwhile, Kate once reportedly gave Harry a “grow-your-own-girlfriend” kit, adding to the fun and playful nature of royal gift exchanges.
As for this year’s royal Christmas celebrations, Prince William and Kate spent the festive season at the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, continuing the longstanding tradition of gathering there with their family. William revealed that he would be hosting 45 guests for the holiday, anticipating a “noisy” celebration, thanks to their three children — Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6. However, one notable absence was Prince Harry and his family. Reports suggest that Harry, Meghan Markle, and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, did not receive an invitation to the royal festivities, marking another chapter in the ongoing family dynamic.
Despite the tensions surrounding the royal family, the humor and warmth in William and Kate’s relationship continue to shine through, with anecdotes like the binoculars story serving as a reminder of their down-to-earth connection.
