When Charlotte was born, she was showered with gifts from everywhere. Among them, a rattle worth an impressive 40,000 euros offered by the Natural Sapphire Company. This rattle, made of 18-carat white gold and adorned with diamonds, sapphires and rubies, proudly reproduced the Union Jack, explains the Express. The Natural Sapphire Company explained its action on its website. “When Kate and William got engaged with the iconic blue sapphire ring that belonged to Princess Diana, our sales of sapphire rings have exploded. Women around the world wanted to be as stylish as Kate.“, we could read.
However, despite the generosity and intention behind this gift, the royal family’s strict rules prevented Charlotte from keeping it. In 2015, it was reported that the rattle, although beautiful, was never actually used by the little princess. Indeed, according to royal protocols, family members cannot accept gifts of such value from individuals or companies,
especially when there are commercial ties involved as appears to be the case here.
Why did you give Princess Charlotte such a gift?
Giving such a gift actually echoes an ancient tradition dating back to the 18th century. Being specialized in precious stones, the company must certainly have seen this as an opportunity to demonstrate its know-how. But despite this ancient tradition, it’s a safe bet that Princess Charlotte never even had the opportunity to approach the famous rattle.
“Such a unique gift, unlike anything they will receive from well-wishers around the world, will surely be cherished“, declared the company. However, this declaration does not change the royal regulations which often require the return of gifts deemed too extravagant or expensive.
Very strict royal rules
The British royal family has strict protocols regarding gift giving. These rules aim to prevent members of the British royal family from being under influence or from a question of favoritism harming the crown.. Thus, even the most luxurious gifts can be refused for protocol reasons.
Princess Charlotte, despite her young age, is already subject to these strict regulations. The gifts she receives are carefully examined, and those that do not pass the royal filter must therefore be returned. This shows the importance of the rules and traditions that govern the lives of members of the royal family.
