Listen up, friends. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the newlyweds who stole our hearts, had to return a massive chunk of the wedding gifts they received. They're sending back an estimated $9 million worth of goodies that flooded their home at Kensington Palace. And guess what? It's all because of those strict royal protocols that govern just about everything in their lives.
Why Did They Have to Return the Gifts?
Here’s the scoop: According to the official royal guidelines, members of the royal family can't accept gifts that might make them feel obligated to the giver. The rule reads, "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." In simpler terms, if accepting a gift could make it seem like they owe someone something, they can’t take it.
So, gifts from people they don’t know personally? Nope. They should be refused if there's any concern about the donor’s motives or the propriety of the gift itself. For instance, a company called Bags of Love sent them a matching bikini and swim shorts set, hoping the couple would flaunt them on their honeymoon. Cute idea, but no dice. Those items are heading back where they came from.
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What Did They Do Instead?
Before their big day, Harry and Meghan asked their well-wishers to do something a little different. Instead of showering them with presents, they encouraged people to donate to one or more of seven carefully selected charities. These organizations are near and dear to their hearts and reflect the causes they care deeply about. The list includes groups focused on sport for social change, women's empowerment, conservation, the environment, homelessness, HIV, and the Armed Forces.
The palace even made an official statement on Twitter before the wedding, saying, "Prince Harry & Ms. Meghan Markle are incredibly grateful for the goodwill they have received since their engagement and have asked that anyone who might wish to mark the occasion of their wedding considers giving to charity, instead of sending a gift." It was a heartfelt request that showed how much they value meaningful contributions over material possessions.
Prince Harry & Ms. Meghan Markle are incredibly grateful for the goodwill they have received since their engagement, & have asked that anyone who might wish to mark the occasion of their wedding considers giving to charity, instead of sending a gift. https://t.co/lzfrRmoeUv pic.twitter.com/nxrTZtIKBY
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) April 9, 2018
Which Charities Did They Choose?
Harry, ever the advocate for his late mother Princess Diana's legacy, chose the Children's HIV Association. This aligns with his ongoing mission to raise awareness about HIV and AIDS. Meghan, on the other hand, selected the Myna Mahila Foundation, an organization she visited during a recent trip to India. It’s clear that both of them wanted to support causes that truly resonate with their personal values and experiences.
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Now, when it comes to gifts from guests they actually know, the couple created a private gift list with Soho House. The registry included everything from bath and shower gel priced at around $30 to a luxurious emperor bed worth nearly $4,000. It’s a mix of practical and indulgent items that reflect their personal tastes and needs as they start their new life together.
This story was originally written by Candice Mehta-Culjak and first appeared on our sister site, Now to Love.
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