Wealth

The wacky gifts given to the British royal family

From customary books, to an unforgettable "packet of fairy dust" and a marzipan model of Brandenburg Gate, 2015's official list of gifts received by the British royal family has been revealed.

2015 itself was a momentous year for Queen Elizabeth II, who became the U.K.'s longest reigning monarch in history and welcomed another great-grandchild. For her reign and her many visits across the globe, the Queen received numerous gifts.


President of Germany Joachim Gauck presents Queen Elizabeth II with a painting of her and father when she was a little girl at the Schloss Bellevue Palace.
Arthur Edwards | Getty Images Entertainment | Getty Images

From the British Virgin Islands' Governor, John Duncan, she received a "bag of salt", while on a state visit to Germany, President Joachim Gauck presented her with a painting of the Queen sitting on a blue-colored horse and a "marzipan representation of the Brandenburg Gate."

The U.S.' First Lady, Michelle Obama provided the Queen with a gift box which had lemon verbena tea and honey butter, on top of a "limited edition sterling silver honeycomb and bee bud vase" made exclusively by Tiffany & Co, when the First Lady visited the U.K.

Queen Elizabeth wasn't the only royal to receive a gift from the United States. Charles, the Prince of Wales was given commemorative coins, a bottle of brandy and a baseball cap, while Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, received a handmade doll and a "basket of vegetables", among other gifts.

One of the more unusual presents listed officially for 2015 was a "packet of fairy dust" given to Prince Charles during a November trip round Australia and New Zealand, with Prince Harry also receiving a selection of interesting gifts when he visited New Zealand in May.

Some of the gifts given to Harry from New Zealand's public included "a packet of Jaffa cakes, a bag of pineapple lumps, a chocolate fish, a jar of Marmite," and Weetabix cereal.

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As for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, William and Catherine, during William's trip to Japan and China, they received an assortment of gifts including a Samurai helmet display, five origami birds and two cashmere wraps.

Their children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte received several gifts from all over the globe, including several toys, books and clothes. Some of the more stand out presents included a "painting of a Samurai helmet" and a "snowsuit."

Every gift sent to the British royal family has to adhere to specific guidelines, with official presents being recorded, however, they are not allowed to be sold or exchanged. Gifts often offered to the royal family vary on who it is given by, for instance presents by businesses in the U.K. are often declined unless given as a souvenir.

Prince William (R) and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge (L) with Prince George during a visit to the Sensational Butterflies exhibition at the Natural History Museum in London.
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By CNBC's Alexandra Gibbs, follow her @AlexGibbsy and @CNBCi