Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are returning \u00a37m-worth of wedding gifts after receiving the unsolicited presents from well-wishers and companies looking for publicity.<\/p>\n
Because the\u00a0influence<\/a>\u00a0the Duchess of Sussex has on the fashion world is well-known, even before she became a royal, clothing brands are vying for a chance to dress the newlywed.<\/p>\n After all, any outfit Markle will be photographed in while on her honeymoon to\u00a0Canada<\/a>\u00a0with her new husband will likely sell out – just as many of her previous outfits have done.<\/p>\n However, despite being showered with gifts,\u00a0the royal couple cannot actually accept any of them – part of the reason their public wedding registry asked for donations to\u00a0charities<\/a>\u00a0in lieu of presents.<\/p>\n Although the free gifts may be tempting,\u00a0royal guidelines prohibit the Duke and Duchess of Sussex from accepting any gifts for commercial purposes, referring to those from brands eager to dress or accessorise them – as well as any gifts from well-wishers they don\u2019t personally know.<\/p>\n Prior to the royal wedding, the couple issued\u00a0guidelines about the big day – including a line about gifts that read: \u201cIt should be noted that gifts cannot be brought to St George\u2019s Chapel or the Reception that follows at Windsor Castle. Guests are advised to seek further guidance on delivery arrangements for any gifts to Kensington Palace.\u201d<\/p>\n In a statement, the palace said: \u201cWhen gifts are accepted, the consent of the Member of the Royal Family should be contingent upon the enterprise undertaking not to exploit the gift for commercial purposes.<\/p>\n \u201cGifts offered by private individuals living in the UK not personally known to the Member of the Royal Family should be refused where there are concerns about the propriety or motives of the donor or the gift itself.\u201d<\/p>\n