Princess Charlotte’s incredible £36,000 gift that she was forced to give back

A company gifted Princess Charlotte a luxury 18ct item worth an eye-watering sum – but it’s unlikely that she was able to keep it.

Princess Charlotte received a gift worth £36,000 upon her birth (Image: Prince and Princess of Wales)

Princess Charlotte received an incredible £36,000 present as a baby – but she never got the chance to use it. The only-daughter of Prince William and Princess Kate was gifted a luxe item when she was just a newborn – but due to strict Royal rules, the little one didn’t get to fully enjoy the unbelievably pricey gift.

The expensive present came from the Natural Sapphire Company and it’s likely one of the most luxurious baby rattles ever made. The rattle was crafted from 18ct white gold and decorated with diamonds, sapphires, and rubies to form a Union Jack.

The company explained on their website why they went all out: “When Kate and William were engaged with the iconic blue sapphire ring that once belonged to Princess Diana, our sapphire ring sales rocketed. Women everywhere wanted to be just as fashionable as Kate.

“Today, we continue to grow as a business and it is with great joy that we celebrate the birth of a new royal.

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The rattle was crafted from 18ct white gold and decorated with diamonds, sapphires, and rubies to fo (Image: Natural Sapphire Company)

“We’re thanking Kate and William for introducing our company to the world, by gifting a custom-designed baby rattle, fit for their Princess.

“Baby gifts made from precious metals are a tradition dating back to the 18th century. Our luxury rattle, worth $45,000 (£36,000), is made from 18k white gold; lined with sapphires, rubies, and diamonds to produce the Union Jack flag.

“Such a unique gift, unlike any they will receive from well wishes around the world, will surely be treasured.”

But despite the thoughtful gesture for their newborn daughter, it was reported in 2015 that it was highly unlikely that Charlotte was ever allowed to keep the extravagant rattle.

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Kensington Palace could not confirm whether the lavish baby toy was received by William and Kate, but as a general rule, it said, gifts from commercial companies were not accepted.

However, just because Charlotte – who celebrated her ninth birthday starring in a sweet new photograph – wasn’t allowed to keep the jewel-encrusted rattle, doesn’t mean she didn’t have one to play with.

King Charles reportedly bought her one made from willow, costing a much more reasonable £25; making it a far less valuable item to play with.