Prince Andrew Joke Wins 2025 UK Christmas Cracker Contest

Published: 15 December 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

It has been an unusually difficult year for former Prince Andrew, whose public misfortunes have continued to attract media attention. Already stripped of his royal title and privileges, he has now become the subject of the most talked-about Christmas cracker joke of the year. This humorous accolade, decided annually by the British public, highlights the blend of topicality and wit that defines the nation’s festive humour.

The competition, commissioned by the comedy channel U&Gold, formerly known as Comedy Gold, encourages submissions that capture major stories of the year with a clever twist. In 2025, it was Ben Smith from Chelmsford who struck a chord with the public. His winning joke, summarising Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s loss of status, reads: “Why is Prince Andrew not writing any Christmas books? He hasn’t got any titles!” Alongside recognition, Smith will enjoy a top prize including £1,500 towards a holiday, celebrating his clever observation.

Interestingly, Andrew was not mentioned only once in this year’s top 10 jokes. Another quip about the former Duke of York came fourth on the list, showing the enduring fascination with his fall from grace. That joke asks: “What do Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and a snowman have in common? They’re both out in the cold.” Such jokes suggest that his story has become firmly embedded in Britain’s cultural consciousness, providing fodder for clever humour.

Other finalists for the annual prize included playful gags about politicians, musicians, and celebrities. Angela Rayner and Nigel Farage were represented alongside stars such as Lily Allen, David Harbour, pop singer Sabrina Carpenter, and Claudia Winkleman, host of The Traitors. These jokes reflect not only individual personalities but the year’s wider cultural and political moments, allowing the public to engage with current events through humour.

Coming in second place was a joke about Oasis, marking their highly anticipated reunion tour last summer. The winning entry cleverly teased the famous Gallagher brothers, asking: “Why don’t Noel and Liam want to open their presents early on Christmas morning? They need a little time to wake up.” This entry demonstrates the public’s affection for jokes that playfully merge celebrity culture with festive traditions.

Bruce Dessau, a seasoned comedy critic and chair of the judging panel, praised the competition for its remarkable quality. “This year’s entries are absolutely stellar, possibly one of the best ever in the 13 years U&Gold has hosted this contest,” he said. Dessau highlighted that 2025 has been rich in newsworthy events, allowing for a diverse selection of topical jokes. He commended the balance of clever writing and humour that engages audiences without descending into cruelty.

Gerald Casey, UKTV’s director, echoed this sentiment, noting the public’s enduring creativity in responding to news. “Another fantastic year of hilarious entries shows that the British public remain as witty as ever when it comes to reflecting on current events,” Casey remarked. These observations suggest that humour continues to provide both cultural insight and entertainment, particularly during the festive season when lighthearted reflection is most welcome.

The popularity of Christmas cracker jokes has grown beyond casual family tables, with the U&Gold competition offering a window into the national mood. Last year’s winning joke targeted Keir Starmer’s political controversies, while 2023’s victorious entry poked fun at the British Museum. Each year, the finalists highlight how humour is shaped by the public’s perception of contemporary events, allowing topicality and wit to coexist naturally in a festive context.

Among this year’s top 10 jokes, a range of subjects were covered, illustrating the breadth of public interest. Sabrina Carpenter’s creativity was highlighted with a joke about carving her own wooden nativity scene. Lily Allen and David Harbour’s strained relationship was lampooned with a quip referencing her recent album. Claudia Winkleman and Angela Rayner were also featured, alongside jokes blending French culture and holiday traditions, such as the playful pun on the Louvre in a festive setting.

Nigel Farage’s recurring public presence was lampooned with a joke suggesting Santa has visited his Clacton residence more frequently than others. Meanwhile, Celia Imrie’s competitiveness at Christmas games earned a joke acknowledging her winning streak. This diversity underscores how humour can both entertain and subtly comment on contemporary public figures, offering a snapshot of cultural awareness that resonates widely.

The competition’s enduring appeal lies in its capacity to provide levity while reflecting collective experiences. Andrew’s prominence in this year’s jokes is a reminder of how public figures can become symbols of wider narratives, whether political, cultural, or societal. The jokes themselves balance satire and festivity, demonstrating how British humour continues to evolve while maintaining traditional cleverness and irony.

For many, the annual Christmas cracker joke competition is more than a seasonal diversion. It functions as a cultural thermometer, measuring the nation’s appetite for humour and its ability to respond creatively to current events. The 2025 entries illustrate a society keenly aware of its public figures, media trends, and popular culture, all while keeping festive joy at the centre of attention.

As families gather this holiday season, the jokes from U&Gold’s competition will undoubtedly inspire laughter at tables across the UK. Prince Andrew’s new role as the punchline of the year highlights both the public’s appetite for topical humour and the enduring charm of clever wordplay. In a year filled with challenges, the ability to laugh at current events proves that humour remains a vital part of British identity.