QUESTION: - What is Myrrh?

It is surprising, in the relatively affluent times which preceded the current credit "crunch", "squeeze" or "downturn" (or however one wants to describe the current situation), that good old myrrh wasn't more sought after. Or so I thought.

This view was based on my incorrect assumption that if myrrh was a present given by one of the three kings of the Orient (Ahhh), then it must be valuable.

However, whilst I find this somewhat difficult to say, I was wrong!

It turns out that Myrrh and Frankincense are actually not precious stones or jewels - but herbs!

The modern-day equivalent of the aforementioned biblical event would be akin (OK maybe not "akin" if you're in any way religious -albeit presumably Wills will still be head of the Church of Multi Racial England by the time he is King) to King William & Queen Kate's first born being presented to three of the world's remaining Kings or Presidents.

In this parallel event the first King would no doubt bring a gift of something suitably expensive - e.g. gold, diamonds or a bedsit in Clapham - whereas the other two Kings, having forgotten to buy a present, stop off at the local Tesco Express and buy two pot plants for £4.99!!