PRINCE Andrew, banned from Christmas at Sandringham, is to celebrate the season at the house of a subject to be chosen at random.
The Duke, whose children have both coincidentally decided to spend the day with their in-laws, has decided that rather than be alone he will bestow the gift of his Royal presence on a lucky British family.
He said: “Regretfully, my own family are somewhat stuffy. Disapprove of my friendships and whatnot. Judgemental pricks.
“So instead I shall alight on a new family for Christmas Day, and when I say alight I mean that I will be landing a helicopter on your lawn. Don’t bother about gazebos and that manner of thing, they’ll be crushed.
“I’ll stride in – well, you’ll have to open the doors for me, I’ve never got the hang of that – take my seat at the head of the table, and be happy with whatever you serve me. Don’t bother about swan, it’s rather too gamey, whatever nine-bird roast you’re doing will be fine.
“Gifts are not an issue because I take money, I’ll entertain your children with golfing and Falklands stories, your wives and daughters over 16 will appreciate my avid attentions, and I can’t sweat so that’s something of a party trick! Oh, we’ll have such fun!”
He added: “Can I ask one thing? No King’s speech this year. He’s such an over-privileged self-regarding boor.”