Princess Charlotte, the ten-year-old daughter of the Prince and Princess of Wales, is reported to have been required to return an extraordinarily lavish gift presented to her at birth due to stringent royal protocols governing such matters.
The Extravagant £36,000 Baby Rattle
Upon her birth in May 2015, Princess Charlotte received a custom-designed baby rattle valued at a staggering £36,000 from The Natural Sapphire Company. This opulent item was crafted from 18-carat white gold and intricately adorned with diamonds, sapphires, and rubies arranged to form the pattern of the Union Jack flag.
The company publicly explained their motivation for creating such a costly present, citing the significant boost in their sapphire ring sales following the engagement of Prince William and Princess Kate, who famously wore Princess Diana's iconic blue sapphire ring. In a statement on their website, they expressed gratitude, saying the gift was intended to thank the couple for introducing their brand to a global audience and to celebrate the royal birth with a unique, treasured item.
Strict Royal Protocols Enforced
Despite the grandeur and sentimental value of the gift, reports from the time strongly indicated that Princess Charlotte would not be permitted to keep it. Kensington Palace maintained its standard policy of declining presents from commercial enterprises, and officials could not confirm whether the rattle was ever formally accepted by the Wales family.
This adherence to protocol is a longstanding practice within the Royal Family, designed to avoid any perception of commercial endorsement or conflict of interest. The rules ensure that gifts from businesses, no matter how well-intentioned or valuable, are typically returned or redirected to avoid compromising the monarchy's impartiality.
A Simpler, More Personal Alternative
While the luxurious gem-encrusted rattle was not retained, Princess Charlotte was not left without a meaningful first toy. It is understood that her grandfather, King Charles III, presented her with a handmade willow rattle valued at approximately £25.
This far more modest and personal gift likely provided a less nerve-wracking plaything for the young princess and her parents, aligning with traditional royal values of practicality and sentiment over ostentation. The contrast between the two rattles—one worth thousands and glittering with jewels, the other simple and handmade—highlights the careful balance the Royal Family maintains between public ceremony and private life.
The episode serves as a fascinating insight into the often-unseen rules that govern royal conduct, demonstrating how even the most extravagant gestures from admirers and businesses must yield to established protocols designed to protect the integrity of the monarchy.
