Guest attending Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s highly anticipated wedding next month won’t be expected to bring a gift. Instead, the couple is asking for donations to a number of their favourite charities.
Sticking to their penchant for doing things a little differently, the couple said in a statement via the Palace on Monday that they want to share the love and generosity they’ve received since their engagement with those less fortunate.
Kensington Palace said in a statement: “Prince Harry and Ms. Meghan Markle are incredibly grateful for the goodwill shown to them since the announcement of their engagement and are keen that as many people as possible benefit from this generosity of spirit. The couple have therefore asked that anyone who might wish to mark the occasion considers making a donation to charity, rather than sending a wedding gift.”
The Palace said Harry and Meghan “have chosen charities which represent a range of issues that they are passionate about”.
The charities all reflect the interests of the pair, focussing on sport for social change, women’s empowerment, conversation, the environment and homelessness.
“Many of these are small charities, and the couple are pleased to be able to amplify and shine a light on their work,” the Palace added.
Harry and Meghan are following in the footsteps of many other young couples opting for guests to donate to a special cause rather than shower them with household appliances and knick-knacks.
The full list of charities include CHIVA (Children’s HIV Association), Crisis, Myna Mahila Foundation, Scotty’s Little Soldiers, Street Games, Surfers Against Sewage, and The Wilderness Foundation UK.
The CHIVA charity supports children growing up with HIV, the Palace explained: “The charity helps to create a more hopeful and optimistic future for them, ensuring they achieve their greatest potential.”
The couple have also chosen Scotty’s Little Soldiers, “a charity that offers vital support and activities to children who have lost a parent while serving in the British Armed Forces, helping them to smile again”.
The pair have also chosen The Wilderness Foundation UK, which promotes the benefits and enjoyment of wild nature.
The announcement follows in the footsteps of Prince William and Catherine, who set up the Royal Wedding Charitable Fund for their 2011 nuptials, which raised £1m (A$1.8, US$1.4) for 26 charities.
Harry and Meghan are just weeks away from tying the knot and have already revealed several details about their wedding. The couple have ditched some of the more traditional royal choices, including their pick for a wedding cake, choosing a lemon elderflower cake that will “incorporate the bright flavours of spring”.
The pair also announced earlier this month that British florist Philippa Craddock will design the flower arrangements for the special day. In a nod to Harry’s beloved mother, the couple have chosen to feature white roses, Diana’s favourite flower, throughout the floral bouquets.
The couple will say “I do” in St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle on May 19.