Princess Charlotte, daughter of Prince William and Princess Kate, recently celebrated her 10th birthday surrounded by close family, including her brothers Prince George, 12, and Prince Louis, 7. The milestone was marked by warm tributes, including a special message and portrait shared by King Charles in honor of his granddaughter.
As part of family tradition, the celebration included a homemade birthday cake lovingly prepared by Kate Middleton. Charlotte is believed to have received several thoughtful gifts, but not all were allowed to stay in the palace.
Among the presents was a luxurious toy rattle made of 18-karat white gold and encrusted with sapphires, rubies, and diamonds arranged in the design of the Union Jack. Valued at £36,000 ($45,000), the item was gifted by a luxury retailer shortly after Charlotte’s birth in 2015. However, due to strict royal rules that prohibit the acceptance of expensive or commercial gifts, the toy had to be returned.
The company behind the extravagant gift had explained that it was custom-made to reflect British tradition and royal heritage. “Baby gifts made from precious metals date back to the 18th century,” the brand stated. “This rattle, unlike anything else she might receive from well-wishers around the world, was designed to be truly special.”
They also acknowledged that the royal couple’s earlier engagement had brought significant attention to their brand, particularly after Kate was seen wearing Princess Diana’s iconic sapphire ring. “When Kate and William were engaged with the iconic blue sapphire ring that once belonged to Princess Diana, our sapphire ring sales rocketed,” a company representative noted.
Despite the gesture, royal protocols remain clear: members of the royal family cannot accept gifts that are overly valuable or appear to promote commercial interests. As a result, Princess Charlotte never took ownership of the lavish toy — a reminder of the firm guidelines that govern even the youngest royals.
