Whenever heads of state from different countries meet, it is an old tradition to exchange gifts as a symbol of statesmanship.

And recently, Queen Elizabeth completed her 65 years on the throne which means she has been meeting foreign dignitaries for the last 65 years. It’s definitely not surprising that she has received so many gifts. All those gifts are now going on display in a new exhibition at Buckingham Palace called “Royal Gifts.”

The show is situated in the State Rooms of Buckingham Palace, and it will feature a “selection from the more than 250 objects from some 100 countries and territories,” according to a statement given by the royal collection’s website. “This exhibition will also explore Queen Elizabeth’s role as Head of State, Head of the Commonwealth and Head of Nation.

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All these will include, gifts given during the State Visits, overseas tours and official engagements”. Gifts from the world leaders (past and present), including President Dwight D. Eisenhower, South African President Nelson Mandela, and President Xi Jinping of China, will be on display.

Queen Elizabeth
One of the gifts given to her majesty.
  • Show Stopper.

Among all the objects on show, the five main show stopper will include a Vessel of Friendship, a model of the treasure ship sailed by Zheng He, a navigator and diplomat from the Ming Dynasty, that was gifted by China in 2015. It also includes Chinese symbols of peace and friendship. There will also be a pair of chairs from Nigeria known as the Yoruba throne, which was presented to Her Majesty in 1965.

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A totem pole depicting the Thunderbird that Canada presented to the Queen in 1971. A silver bowl containing models of fruit, presented by President Kenneth Kaunda of Zambia in 1991. Lastly, coconut baskets that Queen Salote Tupou of Tonga gave the Queen during her Commonwealth visit in 1953.

“Royal Gifts” will surely be on display at Buckingham Palace from July 22 (Yes, it’s Prince George’s birthday) until the end of the year.


Who knows? The Queen might make an appearance to check out her own impressive loot.