Princess Charlotte had to ‘hand back’ a £36,000 gift that she received as a newborn. The nine-year-old, third in line to the throne, was given the extravagant gift when she was born in May 2015. Royal protocols dictated that the young royal was not allowed to keep the gift, which was valued at more than some people’s annual salary and came from the Natural Sapphire Company. The gift was a baby rattle made from 18ct white gold and adorned with diamonds, sapphires, and rubies to resemble a Union Jack.
The company expressed on its website the reason behind gifting the item to Princess Charlotte, citing the popularity boost they experienced when Kate and William got engaged with a similar sapphire ring. Kensington Palace confirmed that gifts from businesses are typically not accepted, and reports suggest that the valuable rattle was returned. Despite not being able to keep the expensive present, the princess did receive other gifts.
Her grandfather, King Charles, gifted her a handmade wavy willow shaker valued at £25. Additionally, he has given his grandchildren other lavish gifts, including a Victorian-style hut at his Gloucestershire residence, Highgrove House, for Prince George’s first birthday. The King’s gardens also feature a woodland named after his grandson, Prince George.
The tradition of rich baby gifts dates back to the 18th century, as stated by the Natural Sapphire Company. Although Princess Charlotte never played with the luxury rattle, it remains an interesting anecdote in her life as a young member of the royal family.