The list includes other presents such as the feather crown that Charles III received from Amazonian indigenous leaders; two badges for Charles and Camilla from Blue Peter; or the personalized hiking boots as a present from the Hungarian president. Objects, some singular, but much more mundane are the majority of those on the list, which does not only include the kings as recipients. Kate Middleton and Prince William, still as Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, were spotted with diving opportunities during their Caribbean trip in 2022, hence they received snorkeling gear, a wetsuit and a pair of diving fins with a swim cap, perhaps knowing the Princess of Wales’ fondness for swimming in frigid waters. From that trip they also took a model of a ship. Many times the royals receive gifts for their children, such as stuffed animals, books and rugby jerseys. Princess Anne was grateful for several jars of honey, ten boxes of mangoes, some bottles of wine and other spirits, and 51 acorns.
Neither of these gifts, neither Charles’ Rolls Royce nor Anne’s acorns are actually theirs at all. Under the rules, gifts, regardless of their financial value, may be held by the sovereign in right of the Crown or form part of the Royal Collection. Given these circumstances, it stands to reason that gifts received by the royal family – many from anonymous individuals during their public walks or visits, or as part of protocol – cannot be sold or exchanged, although if they are worth less than £150 they can be given to charities or staff. Flowers, for example, are often donated to hospitals or nursing homes.
Buckingham is now contemplating some changes and is already drafting new rules that would be directed towards the path of sustainability that King Charles is so keen on.