15 Surprisingly Frugal Habits Of The British Royal Family (Part 2)

There is this saying that even if one can do it, it doesn’t mean he has to. The British royal family seems to live by that rule religiously. It turns out that for all the glitz and glamor of their public life, the royals are actually kings and queens of scrimping and saving.

The Windsors are not big on spending. They try to save as much as possible. Many would probably picture waking up to a long table of fancy breakfast with an army of butlers and helpers at their disposal. But it really couldn't be further from the truth.

Take a peek behind the curtain of their picture-perfect life and discover all the fascinating ways the British royal family shows their frugality. (See Part 1 here.)

8. Gifts don’t have to be fancy and expensive — they definitely don't need a fancy wrapper too

It's the thought that counts. The Duchess of Sussex didn't have to go all out to make the Queen and her corgis happy. She got her grandmother-in-law a singing hamster, which was a major hit. That's on par with her husband's gift to his grandma — a shower cap that reads “Ain't life a b---h.” Clearly, these two may have easily bonded over their love for gag gifts.

9. Breakfast is not as lavish as one thinks

Those who imagine a fancy breakfast with decadent feasts laid out on a massive table every morning at the Palace couldn't be far from the truth. It turns out it is nothing like that at all. The Queen usually starts the day with an Earl gray tea and cookies. Sometimes she likes to change it up with toast and marmalade.

10. Fries and burgers are also on the menu

Princess Diana didn't deprive Prince Harry and Prince William of fast food. In her effort to keep their childhood normal, she often treated them to McDonald's burger and fries on weekends.

11. The royals know how to entertain without splurging

Prince Charles apparently favored drinking parties over fancy dinners, while the Queen uses a small electric heater when meeting guests at the Buckingham Palace.

12. Why buy a TV when one can rent it?

The Queen Mother would spend her summer in the Scottish Highlands, at the Castle of Mey in Caithness. For her entertainment, she opted to rent a broken-down television and record player that will stress out any DVR users over how bad it was in recording horse racing.

13. When they'd go to events, they wouldn't turn down leftovers

Meghan was quickly dubbed the economical princess after she was spotted taking home a doggy bag the following day after he and Prince Harry made their relationship public at the Invictus Games in 2017.

14. They like to do most chores themselves

While many would think the royals never set foot in a grocery store, it is actually quite the opposite. Many of the royals, including the Queen, Prince Charles, and Kate, have been spotted doing their own shopping and would jump on discounts as much as possible. Prince Harry was even seen checking out sales on ready meals before taking home Kellogg's and bananas.

There apparently aren't many servants at their beck and call. Rumor has it that visitors are often greeted by the Duchess of Cambridge herself at the door. In fact, she and Prince William buy their own furniture-double points for buying IKEA.

15. A lot of the royals like to cook their own meals too

When they don't, they like to keep it simple. Carolyn Robb, a former personal chef to Prince Charles, Princess Diana, Prince William and Prince Harry from 1989-2000, revealed that the royal family preferred “really simple, fresh, homemade meals.” She said that they didn't eat caviar unless they were gifted with it.