Princess Charlotte was reportedly gifted an incredibly lavish present when she was born back in 2015 – but the then-newborn was forced to give the gift back due to strict royal protocols

Princess Charlotte was gifted an incredibly lavish present when she was born back in 2015(Image: PA)

Princess Charlotte, who is third in line to the throne, reportedly had to return an incredibly lavish gift she received as a newborn.

The ten year old princess was presented with a £36,000 item when she was born to her parents, Prince William and Princess Kate, in May 2015.

However, due to stringent royal protocols, she was unable to keep this expensive present. The Natural Sapphire Company gifted the costly baby rattle, which was made from 18ct white gold and decorated with diamonds, sapphires, and rubies to create a Union Jack.

The company explained on their website why they decided to splurge for Princess Charlotte’s birth. They stated: “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.

Princess Charlotte was forced to return the gift(Image: PA)

“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.”

Despite presenting their little royal with such a lavish gesture, it seems Princess Charlotte may have never actually handled the opulent rattle.

Reports in 2015 suggested it was seriously unlikely Princess Kate would keep the gift. Kensington Palace could not confirm whether the lavish baby toy was received by William and Kate as a general rule, it said, gifts from commercial companies were not accepted.

Even if the young royal didn’t keep the baby shaker, she wasn’t left empty-handed. Rumour has it that King Charles presented her with a handcrafted willow rattle, coming in at a more down-to-earth £25 a far less hair-raising item for the tot to tote around, and certainly less of a headache for mum and dad.

Princess Charlotte in a new birthday snap for her 10th birthday(Image: Kensington Royal/The Princess of Wales)
Last month, Princess Charlotte celebrated her tenth birthday and the royal family marked the occasion with a new portrait.

The heartwarming photo was taken by mum Kate on her iPhone earlier this year during a trip to Cumbria and has been released on her parents’ social media accounts today to mark her milestone birthday.

Charlotte is pictured on a grassy bank with hills in the background and appears to be taking a break during the walk wearing a camouflage jacket by hunting and shooting brand Jack Pyke and a sturdy rucksack.

The image of the smiling princess was posted with the words “Happy 10th Birthday Princess Charlotte!” alongside a heart emoji and a picture credit for Kate.