Prince Harry and Meghan return $12 million worth of wedding gifts
Prince Harry and Meghan are returning $12 million worth of wedding gifts they have received.
The Palace has reportedly been overrun with a plethora of gifts boxes and packages for the newlyweds from generous celebrities and companies.
However, royal aides are ensuring the companies that have sent gifts to the couple do not receive any free publicity from the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
It’s believed one company that makes personalised his and hers swimwear sent Prince Harry and Meghan a matching bikini and swim shorts in the hopes they would take them on honeymoon and wear them, according to The Express.
Kensington Palace has strict rules when it comes to receiving free gifts from businesses.
“When gifts are accepted, the consent of the Member of the Royal Family should be contingent upon the enterprise undertaking not to exploit the gift for commercial purposes,” the official guidelines state.
“Gifts offered by private individuals living in the UK not personally known to the Member of the Royal Family should be refused where there are concerns about the propriety or motives of the donor or the gift itself,” the royal guidelines continue.
Prince Harry and Meghan did specifically request well-wishers, who wanted to give the royal couple a wedding gift, donate to one of their favourite charities that champion issues that are close to their hearts.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau donated $50,000 to Jumpstart, a youth charity, on the day of the wedding.
Trudeau issued a statement that said: “Today, Canadians joined in celebration as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle married. To celebrate their union, Canada will donate $50,000 to Jumpstart, a Canadian charity dedicated to making play and sports more accessible to children from disadvantaged backgrounds.”
New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Arden also announced on behalf of her country that it was making a $5000 donation to a charity called Pillars, which supports children and families of prisoners.
Meanwhile, Australian Prime Minster Malcolm Turnbull said the country will gift Harry and Meghan a donation to the Invictus Games, which will be taking place in Sydney later this year.