Typically, happy couples receive gifts like ten toasters, bed linen, or, if they’re lucky, a washing machine. However, for royalty, the gifts are a notch higher, with a racehorse gracing the Queen and Prince Philip’s gift catalog, whereas Prince Charles and Diana were gifted a luxurious £1 million gem-encrusted gold model of an Arab boat.
In contrast, Prince William and Kate Middleton, aiming to personalize their wedding experience, are foregoing the customary wedding list and extravagant gifts, instead requesting guests to contribute to charity.
While close family members may offer gifts, other attendees will be encouraged to make a confidential charitable contribution.
Yesterday, courtiers confirmed that they are exploring this innovative plan, expected to generate hundreds of thousands of pounds for the selected charities, which are still to be finalized.
A source stated, “William and Kate have everything they require, so they believe it would be thoughtful to request charitable donations instead of traditional gifts.” They added, “This is what they have expressed as their preference, and the logistics are being considered.”
All contributions will maintain confidentiality, and guests attending the April 29 wedding will be informed about the process for making postal and online donations when they receive their invitations next month.
An estimated 300 guests are to gather for the evening reception at Buckingham Palace, where Prince Charles will host a dinner and dance, although many more are invited to the noon ceremony, all eager to present gifts.
A courtier mentioned, “It was their initiative to propose that guests provide donations instead of gifts. They aim to leverage the goodwill toward them to benefit their cherished causes.”
“It is likely that their family will want to give presents, as will a few close friends, but there won’t be a designated list. They are aware of the difficult times the country is facing and wish to avoid their wedding being perceived as extravagant.”
Instead of arriving at Westminster Abbey in a carriage, Kate Middleton has opted for a car, and the Queen is organizing a buffet instead of a formal lunch following the reception.
“Considering the numerous diplomats, heads of state, and royals attending, significant donations are anticipated for William and Kate,” a source has noted. “They could generate substantial profits for their charities.”
William serves as the patron for 23 charities and organizations, including Centrepoint, The Child Bereavement Charity, The Tusk Trust, and The Royal Marsden Hospital. After the wedding, Kate will also take on further charitable roles, having already associated with the Starlight children’s charity.
When Prince Charles and Lady Diana united in marriage in July 1981, they received over 6,000 gifts, ranging from a piece of crocheted lace made from yarn spun by Mahatma Gandhi to a solid gold model of an Arab sailing dhow embellished with jewels from the Emir of Bahrain.
This collection was valued between £500,000 and £1 million. Additionally, Diana received a sapphire pendant from the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia.
The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh received upwards of 2,500 gifts when they tied the knot in November 1947. Their offerings included not only jewelry from family members but also items such as salt cellars, a bookcase, and a picnic hamper.
Winston Churchill contributed a complete set of his works, while the Aga Khan gifted the couple a racehorse. Among gifts from the public were a hand-knitted cardigan and bed socks.
A spokesperson for Clarence House remarked, “Considering donations is an option currently being evaluated.”
