A collective chuckle is rippling across Britain, and it’s all thanks to a fresh batch of Christmas cracker jokes. This year, one figure found himself the unlikely star of the comedic spotlight: Prince Andrew.
His name topped a recent survey as the inspiration for the funniest new joke, a testament to the nation’s playful wit. The winning line? “Why is Prince Andrew not writing any Christmas books? He hasn’t got any titles!” It’s a sharp, succinct jab that clearly resonated with the public.
But Andrew wasn’t alone in facing the festive firing line. A close second featured a chilly comparison: “What do Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and a snowman have in common? They’re both out in the cold.” The joke’s cleverness secured its place among the top ten.
Political figures also weren’t spared the seasonal satire. Nigel Farage and Angela Rayner both became fodder for festive fun. One joke aimed at Rayner quipped, “Why won’t Angela Rayner get any Christmas presents this year? Santa can’t decide which address to deliver to.”
The list, compiled through a public vote of 2,000 adults, reveals a nation eager to find humor in current events. Other jokes poked fun at pop stars, television personalities, and even a former president.
Sabrina Carpenter’s crafting skills inspired the question, “Which pop star carves her own wooden Nativity scene?” While a playful nod to a celebrity couple asked, “Could Lily Allen and David Harbour get back together for Christmas? Stranger Things have happened!”
Even a playful jab at Donald Trump made the shortlist: “Why does Trump’s Christmas turkey have a piece missing? He carved up the East Wing.” Though it didn’t quite reach the top ten, it demonstrated the public’s appetite for topical humor.
Comedy critics praised the quality of this year’s submissions, calling it one of the strongest lineups in the thirteen-year history of the competition. The jokes reflect a year filled with noteworthy moments, cleverly distilled into bite-sized comedic gems.
The author of the winning joke, Ben Smith, was awarded a £1,500 holiday, a festive hamper, and a box of bespoke Christmas crackers – a fitting reward for bringing a little laughter to the season.
The competition highlights a uniquely British tradition: the art of the Christmas cracker joke. It’s a moment of shared amusement, a brief respite from the seriousness of the year, and a reminder that sometimes, the best gift is a good laugh.