Queen Elizabeth once had to ban one very popular board game from all royal residences to avoid things getting heated. According to Prince Andrew, the beloved game would spark rows within the royals and would get things “too vicious”.
The game in question is Monopoly, a well-known multiplayer board game on real estate that has been entertaining families and friends for decades. While visiting a building society in Leeds in 2008, the Duke of York was handed a copy of the board game to mark his visit, but he politely declined.
According to the Telegraph, Andrew said the game caused arguments within the family, and was banned as it “gets too vicious”.
He said: “We’re not allowed to play Monopoly at home. It gets too vicious.”
While the duke did not reveal what other games the Royal Family like to play during the Christmas holidays, the late Queen was known to favour “gentler” games, like charades.
The Firm is reportedly also known to be fond of the card game Racing Demon.
In 2021, Prince William spoke about playing Monopoly at his home with Princess Kate, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
He said on Royal Marsden’s Hospital Radio: “We’re playing board games with the children quite a lot.
“We love playing Monopoly, that’s a good one.
But he added jokingly that “some people get quite cross when they lose”.
Talking about how a a simple board game can create such chaos, gaming expert at Playcasino.com said: “Monopoly is a perfect storm for frustration. It’s long, luck-based, and rewards ruthless strategy.
“One player’s success literally comes at everyone else’s expense, which creates a hostile dynamic, especially in competitive families.
“Add in a few unlucky rolls and you’ve got the recipe for a family feud.”