A London university chaplain ignited a fierce debate on social media platform X after drawing a stark comparison between two very different Advent calendars.
Reverend Daniel French, an Anglican priest, suggested that instead of spending £112 on the Duchess of Sussex’s luxury offering, people might consider buying The Leprosy Mission’s Real Advent Calendar for just £6.
The post quickly drew a torrent of online criticism, propelling the clergyman into an unexpected digital storm. Yet the backlash produced a remarkable silver lining for the charity behind the budget-friendly alternative.
Sales of the Real Advent Calendar, which features Fairtrade Belgian milk chocolate behind each window and a 24-page Christmas story activity booklet, surged to record levels after the controversy.
The Real Advent Calendar is just £6 and contains Fairtrade Belgian milk chocolate behind every window and a 24-page Christmas story activity booklet taking children on the journey to Bethlehem
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THE LEPROSY MISSION
Alongside the unprecedented spike in orders, The Leprosy Mission Shop was inundated with messages of goodwill and encouragement from members of the public right across Britain.
The outpouring of solidarity extended well beyond UK shores, with supporters in the United States also reaching out to the charity. Many expressed their gratitude to Reverend French for shining a spotlight on the plight of those living with leprosy worldwide.
The wave of international backing took the organisation by surprise, with people contacting the charity specifically to declare their desire to stand with those affected by the disease.
Far from damaging the cause, the social media furore had the opposite effect, transforming a moment of online controversy into a groundswell of charitable giving and awareness.
The dispute began when Reverend French took to social media to highlight a far cheaper alternative to the Duchess’s gourmet offering | X/@HOLYDISRUPTOR
Amanda Norman, Chief Executive of The Leprosy Mission Shop, said she was thrilled by the response. “We were delighted to see Rev Daniel French champion the Real Advent Calendar and, most importantly, highlight the lives of people affected by leprosy,” she said.
Ms Norman stressed that the festive season should be defined by its deeper values. “Whatever people may think about Advent calendars, Christmas is ultimately about generosity, compassion and remembering those who are often overlooked. That is exactly what Rev Daniel was seeking to highlight,” she added.
She also praised the clergyman for redirecting attention away from consumerism. “We are grateful to Rev Daniel for raising the plight of people affected by leprosy at a time when it can be easy to focus on luxury and celebrity,” Ms Norman said. The charity confirmed it would be sending Reverend French a Real Advent Calendar as a gesture of thanks.
Ms Norman was keen to acknowledge the Sussexes’ own charitable credentials. “We know the Sussexes are very charity-minded and have supported our work,” she said, before noting a deeply personal connection between the Royal Family and the organisation.
“The late Diana, Princess of Wales, was Patron of The Leprosy Mission until her untimely death in 1997, and my Leprosy Mission colleagues have spoken with Prince Harry about our work, for which he has been most supportive,” Ms Norman added.
The charity chief’s remarks served to frame the episode not as an attack on the Duchess but as a broader call to remember those on society’s margins.
“Behind every Real Advent Calendar is a reminder of the people who are too often marginalised, and of the Christmas message that calls us to reach out to them,” she said.
The Real Advent Calendar retails at £6 and contains a chocolate behind each door alongside a storybook recounting the Nativity, with proceeds from The Leprosy Mission Shop going directly to support those living with the disease.
The Leprosy Mission operates as an international Christian development charity working across nine nations where leprosy persists as both a medical and social challenge: Bangladesh, Ethiopia, India, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria and Sri Lanka.
Its programmes span healthcare, housing, sanitation, education and employment.
Leprosy remains a significant global health concern. According to World Health Organisation figures, 167,356 new cases were diagnosed in 2025, with India accounting for more than half.
Research suggests that for every individual cured, a further 19 cases remain undetected and untreated.
