Princess Charlotte, the third in line to the throne, had to return a lavish £36,000 gift she received as a newborn. The nine-year-old princess was given the extravagant present when she was born in May 2015. Royal protocols dictated that Princess Charlotte was not allowed to keep the incredibly opulent gift, which came from the Natural Sapphire Company. The gift, valued at more than some people’s annual salary, was a baby rattle made from 18ct white gold adorned with diamonds, sapphires, and rubies in the design of a Union Jack. Although the gift was impractical, it was intended to be a delightful and valuable keepsake.
The Natural Sapphire Company shared the reason behind the gift on its website, stating that their sales had seen a rise after Kate and William’s engagement with the iconic blue sapphire ring that once belonged to Princess Diana. The company expressed its joy in celebrating the birth of a new royal by presenting a custom-designed baby rattle for Princess Charlotte. The luxury rattle, valued at £36,000, was a tradition dating back to the 18th century, crafted from 18k white gold and embellished with sapphires, rubies, and diamonds to resemble the Union Jack flag. It was reported that although the princess never actually played with the rattle, she returned the gift as per Kensington Palace’s policy on accepting gifts from businesses.
Despite having to return the expensive rattle, Princess Charlotte received other gifts, including a handmade wavy willow shaker from her grandfather King Charles, valued at £25. King Charles has a history of giving valuable presents to his grandchildren, such as a Victorian-style Shepherd’s hut installed at his residence, Highgrove House, for Prince George’s first birthday. The hut, gifted by a Dorset-based firm, features amenities like a wood-burning stove and a day bed and is a popular play area for Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. Additionally, King Charles revealed that he named a woodland after his eldest grandson, Prince George, showing his special bond with his grandchildren.
The story of Princess Charlotte’s expensive gift and the royal family’s gift-giving traditions provide a glimpse into the opulence and generosity within the royal circles. Despite being part of a world of luxury and grandeur, the royal family also values sentimental gestures and meaningful connections within their family dynamics. Princess Charlotte’s experience with the extravagant gift sheds light on the intricate protocols and practices that govern royal interactions and the unique blend of tradition and modernity that define the monarchy.