The newlywed Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reportedly returning $9.3 million in wedding gifts, which amounts to over €7 million, The Express online reports. Why? Because Palace rules state that only gifts that do not exploit any member of the Royal Family for commercial purposes can be accepted.
Among many others, it’s been revealed that the couple received matching swimwear from Bags of Love, a company which makes personalised swimwear, in the hope that the items will be worn on the couple’s honeymoon.
However, they shall be left disappointed. Kensington Palace rules 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 fundamental principle governing the acceptance of gifts by Members of The Royal Family is that no gifts, including hospitality or services, should be accepted which would, or might appear to, place the Member of The Royal Family under any obligation to the donor.”
Weeks before their wedding, the royal couple made an announcement requesting that donations be made rather than gifts sent to a number of charities that champion causes they are passionate about.
Many dignitaries who weren’t invited to the royal wedding followed their wishes, namely Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who donated to youth charity Jumpstart, and Australian Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull, who donated to the Invictus Games charity, which will be held in Sydney this year.
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