What Happens to Gifts Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Receive on Tour?

The Royal Gift Journey

It’s fascinating to think about the whirlwind life of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, especially when they're on tour. As they travel around the globe, they're showered with gifts from well-wishers and admirers. You might imagine a giant treasure room in one of their palaces filled with all these presents, but the reality is much more structured than that. Let’s take a closer look at what happens to all those gifts.

During their recent tour of Australia, Meghan and Harry were inundated with presents, just as you'd expect. These gifts span a wide range—from bouquets of flowers to handcrafted posters and cards. With the arrival of their baby expected in the spring, they’ve even started receiving toys for the little one. Their routine is simple yet effective: they accept the gift with gratitude, thank the giver, and then pass it along to a member of their entourage, who manages the logistics of handling these items amidst the bustling crowds.

Royal Gift Policy: A Closer Look

So, what exactly happens to all these gifts? The royal family has an official gift policy that outlines the fate of each present. Surprisingly, for a gift to be accepted and used personally, it must be valued at less than £150 (approximately $276). Gifts exceeding this value may be stored for up to five years before any decision is made about their disposition. The Royal Collection’s curators decide whether these gifts can be incorporated into public displays, such as holiday exhibitions. Alternatively, they might be donated to charity or, unfortunately, even discarded if deemed unsuitable. However, rest assured, every single item is carefully considered before any decision is made.