royal christmas

Why the royal family 'aren't allowed' to play this popular board game

The Queen and Co are just like us

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission. Read our full commerce guidelines here.

Parenting Editor
December 23, 2021

This Christmas Day many families across the UK will play a few fun games after their festive lunch – but did you know that the royal family bans one popular board game?

MORE: What the royals eat on Christmas Day - including an afternoon tea

This story really makes us giggle because we know lots of you will relate. The game in question is Monopoly and it seems things can get a little heated at the palace during the game.

WATCH: Christmas decorations at Windsor this year

According to a 2008 article in The Telegraph, the Monopoly issue was revealed by Prince Andrew when he visited the Leeds Building Society's newly-refurbished Albion Street headquarters for a lunch.

The royal was given the board game to celebrate his visit, but on receiving it he said: "We're not allowed to play Monopoly at home. It gets too vicious."

Oh dear, oh dear, we've all been there. We wonder what the royals play instead – Cluedo or Game of Life perhaps?

MORE: Revealed: The top 10 most popular royal baby names

LOOK: Royal snow day! 10 photos of cute royal children playing in winter

The Queen at Christmas

In response, makers of the iconic board game, Hasbro, and Mr Monopoly have issued 'board game etiquette' to prevent tempers flaring while playing Monopoly this Christmas. We could all do with these tips…

Mr Monopoly's game etiquette:

1. No false accusations

Incorrectly calling out that somebody's cheating during the game. Just because the banker is doing well does not automatically mean they are skimming

2. No emotional outbursts

Tantrums, raised voices, foot-stomping, scathing looks, name-calling, sulking and whining: 'It's not fair'. Tempers may fray in a long game, but if an alliance has been made that you don't agree with or you've narrowly missed out on the Free Parking stash, you should never shout at another player.

3. Avoid unsporting behaviour

During gameplay, one should conduct themselves in a fair, respectful and gracious way. Bickering about which token to choose, refusal to accept being served fees, fines or bills, throwing money across the table or worse, leaving the game early.

4. Always play by the rules

Never bend the rules in support of one player (no matter who they are). A slight of hand often used by parents to avoid a Monopoly Meltdown. Not limited to but including slipping a player money, excusing a rent payment or claiming a different number appeared on the dice.

5. One should never damage the game

NEVER flip the board.

Tensions can run high but a board flip can never be excused, even if you've been serving jail time and someone is about to land on your newly purchased hotels.

Monopoly, £19.54, Amazon

SHOP NOW

HELLO!'s selection is editorial and independently chosen – we only feature items our editors love and approve of. HELLO! may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. To find out more visit our FAQ page.

Make sure you never miss a ROYAL story! Sign up to our newsletter to get all of our celebrity, royal and lifestyle news delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up to HELLO Daily! for the best royal, celebrity and lifestyle coverage

Email Address

By entering your details, you are agreeing to HELLO! Magazine User Data Protection Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. For more information, please click here.

More Parenting

See more