Queen's 'penny-pinching' staff Christmas gift serves HR lesson

Around this time of year, many employees look forward to the gifts that grateful employers feel fit to bestow upon them - whether it’s a Christmas party, a small box of chocolates or even a free drink at the local bar.

However, if you work for the Queen - whom Forbes estimate to have a personal worth of £415million - you might think you’d earned a bonus fit for a King. Or, y’know, Queen.

In a tradition started by her grandfather, George V, the Queen gifts each of her 1,500 staff members a Christmas pudding, as well as a card.

In previous years, the Christmas pudding was purchased from Harrods or Fortnum & Mason. (It all sounds good thus far.)