LONDON - What does the woman who has everything get as gifts?
A list of official gifts received by Queen Elizabeth II from world leaders and dignitaries during 2015 features jewelry, ornaments and some more unusual choices — including homemade honey butter from Michelle Obama, and a marzipan model from the German president.
Buckingham Palace said Wednesday the U.S. first lady offered a gift box of lemon verbena tea, a candle, two small pots of honey and a jar of honey butter from the White House kitchen garden during her June visit to Britain. She also gave the queen a Tiffany & Co. silver "honeycomb and bee bud vase."
The governor of the British Virgin Islands presented "a bag of salt," which stood out from a long list of traditional items like animal figurines, paintings and books. German President Joachim Gauck offered a marzipan model of the Brandenburg Gate, while Chinese President Xi Jinping gave a book of stamps, a woodcarving of a peach, and two CDs of music featuring his wife, a well-known folk singer.
Prince Charles received baby items like booties, a wooden rattle and tiny clothes for his grandchildren Prince George and Princess Charlotte during his official visits last year.
All official presents to royals are recorded every year. They can eat any food, use any gifts, donate items to charities, display them in royal properties or put them in storage. Gifts must not be sold or exchanged.