Prince Harry and Meghan Markle: The obscure Royal rule that forced them to return their wedding gifts

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s controversial and dramatic wedding took place at St George's Chapel in Windsor on May 19 2018. Apart from the usually reported scandals of the wedding - from a private ceremony before the actual wedding to having songs that were Meghan’s choice - there’s more to it.

As the two publicly tied the knot at Windsor Castle, many Royal fans flocked to greet the couple and also present them with gifts. However, the couple had to return all of them. Here’s why

Prince Harry and Meghan returned wedding gifts worth £7 million, here’s why

Prince Harry and Meghan's wedding which took place more than half a decade ago is still the most talked about event in Royal history. New details and information about the wedding still keep coming and the new update involves their wedding gifts - especially from well-wishers. According to The Mirror, the Duke and Duchess had to return the wedding gifts they received from well-wishers.

This comes as palace aides wanted to prevent people and companies from using the newlywed Duke and Duchess of Sussex for publicity. It is understood that Royal Family members aren’t allowed to accept gifts that may be seen as ‘advertising’ or ‘publicity’ for any business.

According to the official guidelines:

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.

As such, the royal couple returned wedding gifts worth £7 million.

Prince Harry and Meghan’s alternate wedding gift they requested

Knowing the rule well beforehand, Prince Harry and Meghan requested anybody willing to send a gift to send a donation instead. The couple urged people to donate to one of the seven charities of their choice - CHIVA, Crisis, Myna Mahalia Foundation, Scotty's Little Soldiers, StreetGames, Surfers Against Sewage, and The Wilderness Foundation UK.

Additionally, prior to the wedding, an official royal statement was released saying that anyone who wished to send the happy couple any gift should address it to Kensington Palace, rather than bring it to Windsor.

Read More

⋙ Prince Harry and Meghan Markle allegedly looking to sell their £11 million California home

⋙ Will Prince Harry and Meghan bring Archie and Lilibet to the UK in 2024? Expert shares thoughts

⋙ Meghan Markle in the spotlight during Golden Globes despite absence: Why didn't she attend?

Source Used

Mirror: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle returned their wedding gifts due to little-known rule