Queen Cancels Christmas

But that's a good thing.

Queen cancels Christmas party, citing economic climate

And though the royal gesture is largely symbolic, the Windsors are nonetheless feeling the pinch lately. The "civil list," which covers Her Majesty's expenses and those of her husband, was frozen this year, and has not been raised since 1990, when it was set at 7.9 million pounds. The Queen has also reduced her cash outlays recently by reducing the number of chartered flights she's taken, and selling off one her helicopters, and refunding the proceeds to the British government. Royal watchers have long noted Her Majesty's personal frugality as well, such as shutting off the lights in empty Palace rooms and recycling wardrobe items from her couture collection.

She's a good Queen.