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The British royal family’s surprisingly frugal habits

The Queen of thrift
Wartime water rationing
Cook from scratch
Victorian-style repairs
Re-wear wedding outfits
'Credit crunch couture'
'Turn the lights off!'
Save gift wrap and ribbons
Porridge for breakfast
Make do and mend
Shop on the high street
Fly economy to save money
McDonald's as a Saturday treat
Time warp wardrobe
Do your own wedding make-up
£8 Christmas puddings
Gag gifts for Christmas
Hand-me-down toys
Perfect nails for less
Cut back on canapes
Rent a television
Take home a doggy bag
Wear hand-me-down shoes
Dress in your dad's clothing
Give a warm welcome
Stick with tradition
The thrifty traveller
Clothing ration coupons
£2 bet on the horses
Train travel
Repair not replace
Homemade gifts
thrifty phones
flat pack furniture
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Joe Giddens/PA Images

The Queen of thrift

Growing up during the Great Depression and the Second World War left Queen Elizabeth II with a "make do and mend" attitude. Whether it's taking the train, re-wearing an outfit or turning off the central heating, Her Majesty shows that it's possible to be thrifty and still live like a queen. And it's an approach that she has passed down to her family. Click or scroll through to discover ways the British royals follow her lead.

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Natalie Marchant

02 August 2021

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