Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have received a whole range of gifts from different companies and Celebrities and the Royal couple is returning these gifts because the senders have not followed the procedures. The cost of the gifts runs into millions of dollars and they fall into the category of unsolicited gifts sent in an attempt to gain free publicity.
New Zealand Herald reports that given the global attention on the unique Royal wedding, many companies tried to influence the buying pattern of the commoners by the gifts to the couple. That goes against the ethics.
Meghan and Harry had already requested their family and friends to donate to the seven charities instead of sending personal gifts.
Some gifts are a sales gimmick
Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has already set a trend in fashion. She has already impressed the market by her style and certain products that she has accepted in her wardrobe have resulted in companies trying to promote similar products. They have, accordingly, sent some samples as gifts with hopes of getting to first base.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will probably be in Alberta, Canada for their honeymoon and companies want to make use of this opportunity to push their products. However, many of these gifts are on their way back to the senders.
Gifts that will remain
Some of the gifts that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have received are special and will remain with them forever. On top of this list are the titles of Duke and Duchess of Sussex and a stately home given by the Queen.
Another is a James Bond themed cigar cutter gifted by French President Emmanuel Macron.
Commonwealth countries Canada, New Zealand and Australia will be donating to charities supported by the Royal couple. In addition, Australia will also name two koala bears after Harry and Meghan at a zoo in New South Wales. India does not want to be left behind. A local Peta charity wants to name an adopted injured bull as Merry, a fusion of both of their names.
Why gifts will go back
Gifts are given on social occasions like a wedding shows a sense of bonding between the donor and the recipient. Once it goes beyond the personal level, there could be questions, so, to put an end to embarrassments, some of the gifts received by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will be returned.
The Sun UK adds that the Royal couple will return gifts worth millions of dollars that ended up in Kensington Palace from various companies. There are strict rules and guidelines on the subject and violations are not acceptable. It is the tradition of the British Royals and Prince William and Kate Middleton have already returned many such free gifts.