Princess Charlotte, who is third in line to the throne, was presented with an extravagant gift upon her birth in May 2015. The Natural Sapphire Company gifted her a stunning baby rattle valued at £36,000, crafted from 18-karat white gold and adorned with diamonds, sapphires, and rubies arranged in the shape of the Union Jack. Despite the luxurious nature of this gift, strict royal protocols required that Charlotte return it, as royal family members are not permitted to accept gifts from businesses, regardless of their value. This rule is in place to prevent any perception of endorsement for commercial enterprises.
The Natural Sapphire Company noted that the decision to create such an opulent gift was inspired by the royal family’s historical connection to sapphires, particularly through Princess Diana’s iconic engagement ring, which Prince William later gave to Kate Middleton. Following the royal engagement, the company saw a significant increase in sales as people sought to emulate Kate’s style. To express their gratitude to the royal family, they designed a custom baby rattle for Princess Charlotte, continuing a long-standing tradition of crafting baby gifts from precious metals that dates back to the 18th century. However, due to royal protocol, Charlotte never actually played with the rattle, as it had to be returned to Kensington Palace.
While Charlotte may not have kept the extravagant rattle, she was not without memorable keepsakes from her early days. Her grandfather, King Charles, gifted her a handcrafted wavy willow shaker, valued at a modest £25, as a personal token of affection. This was not the only significant gift that King Charles has bestowed upon his grandchildren. For Prince George’s first birthday, he arranged for a Victorian-style shepherd’s hut to be installed at his Gloucestershire estate, Highgrove House. This charming playhouse, custom-built by Plankbridge, features a wood-burning stove and a day bed, providing a cozy space for George, Charlotte, and Prince Louis to play. Visitors can even see the hut during guided tours of the estate’s gardens, making it a unique royal attraction.
King Charles has also shown his devotion to his grandchildren through a lasting tribute to Prince George. In an interview on “The One Show,” he revealed that he named a woodland on his estate after George. Known as Prince George’s Wood, it was planted in the same year as George’s birth, serving as a personal project to transform an unused field into a growing legacy for his grandson. This gesture highlights Charles’s deep commitment to his family’s future and his love for nature.
Despite their royal status, the Prince and Princess of Wales are dedicated to giving their children a sense of normalcy and discipline. Kate and William enforce regular bedtimes, even when high-profile events occur in the evening. For instance, their children missed significant events such as the Royal Variety Performance in 2019 and Disney’s 100-Year Celebration in 2023 due to school commitments. William and Kate prioritize their children’s education and routine over royal duties, ensuring that they stay grounded.
In their parenting approach, William and Kate are calm and thoughtful. Instead of raising their voices, they engage their children in “sofa chats” to help them process their emotions and behaviors. This strategy allows George, Charlotte, and Louis to understand their feelings rather than stew in their frustrations. Although their lives are filled with royal engagements and public appearances, William and Kate strive to create a stable and nurturing environment for their children, where discipline and emotional well-being are paramount.
