AceShowbiz - In 2011, eight months after her marriage to Prince William, Kate Middleton embarked on her first Christmas with the royal family at Sandringham. Overwhelmed by the significance of the occasion, she pondered what to gift Queen Elizabeth II.

Inspired by her grandparents' cherished recipe, Kate decided to make a homemade jar of chutney for Her Majesty. "I thought, 'I'll make her something,' " she recalled in the 2016 ITV documentary "Our Queen at Ninety".

Despite her apprehension, Kate's gift proved to be a resounding success. "I was slightly worried about it, but I noticed the next day that it was on the table," she shared. The gesture not only delighted the Queen but also revealed Kate's thoughtful and caring nature.

Kate's younger sister, Pippa Middleton, later shared the recipe for "Granny's Marrow Chutney" in her cookbook "Celebrate". The recipe involves simmering zucchini with raisins, onions, brown sugar, and malt vinegar for two hours.

While Kate's first Christmas at Sandringham was not her initial invitation, her presence in the years that followed fostered a close bond with the Queen. They shared a grandmotherly affection, as noted by royal expert Richard Kay.

Kate's homemade chutney became a symbol of her connection to the royal family, demonstrating her genuine warmth and consideration. It remains a testament to the enduring tradition of Christmas at Sandringham and the growing bond between the Duchess of Cambridge and her late grandmother-in-law.