For Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the fall from grace has landed with a festive thud, transforming the former royal from a figure of power into the punchline of Britain’s favorite Christmas joke. It marks a stark end to a year where the stripping of his privileges has transitioned from a legal reality to a cultural meme.

The accolade—awarded by the British public via comedy channel U&Gold—underscores how deeply the scandal surrounding the former Duke of York has permeated pop culture, sealing his legacy as a figure of ridicule rather than reverence. While the British monarchy often enjoys deference, this year's humor suggests the gloves are firmly off.

The Winning Gag

The winning entry, penned by Ben Smith from Chelmsford, pithily captures the loss of status that has defined Andrew's recent years. The joke asks: “Why is Prince Andrew not writing any Christmas books?” The answer: “He hasn’t got any titles!”

For his wit, Smith walks away with a top prize including £1,500 (approx. KES 255,000)—a tidy sum for a few words that dismantle a royal reputation. It is a reminder that in the court of public opinion, humor is often the final verdict.

A Royal Freeze

Andrew’s humiliation did not stop at the top spot. A second joke targeting the former Duke landed at number four on the list, reinforcing the narrative of his isolation. “What do Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and a snowman have in common?” the joke posits. “They’re both out in the cold.”

This double feature in the top ten indicates that the story has lodged firmly in the collective consciousness. Analysts note that when a public figure becomes a staple of "cracker jokes"—traditionally cheesy, family-friendly one-liners found at dinner tables—their authority is effectively eroded beyond repair.

Pop Culture Punchlines

The competition, now in its 13th year, serves as a barometer for the year's most talked-about events. Beyond the royal family, the list targeted political shifts and entertainment milestones that dominated 2025.

• Oasis Reunion: Taking second place was a jab at the Gallagher brothers' long-awaited return. “Why don’t Noel and Liam want to open their presents early on Christmas morning? They need a little time to wake up.”
• Political Satire: Politicians Nigel Farage and Angela Rayner also featured, proving that Westminster remains a fertile ground for festive mockery.
• Celebrity Splits: Singer Lily Allen and actor David Harbour’s acrimonious divorce also made the cut, highlighting the public's appetite for celebrity gossip.

Comedy critic Bruce Dessau, who chaired the judging panel, described the selection as “an absolutely stellar list.” As families across the UK—and expats here in Kenya—pull their crackers this month, the laughter will come at the expense of the once-powerful, a tradition as old as the monarchy itself.