I’m not exactly sure about royal wedding etiquette, as I’ve never been invited to one, but I’m pretty sure it would be difficult to come up with an ideal gift for the couple who already have wealth beyond their wildest imagining. In recognition of this unique problem, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle decided to stick to tradition, asking their guests to donate to a selection of charities in place of presents.
Last month, 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.”
This was probably the most sensible choice, as it would have been a pretty bad look if they’d gone for a wishing well to fund their honeymoon to Bali or some other kind of crap like that.
The couple selected a range of causes, ranging from international aid to homelessness and the environment. If you’re interested in making a donation, the causes they’ve chosen are below.
It bears mentioning, of course, that many of these charities are UK-based, but this list could also serve as inspiration, or a jumping-off point to find some local equivalents if you’re feeling charitable:
@MynaMahila Thank you, Prince Harry and Ms Meghan Markle! Help us empower women and break taboos about menstruation in India here: https://t.co/7pkFAdtDCC @KensingtonRoyal pic.twitter.com/GaXPmSLPa2
— Myna Mahila Foundation (@MynaMahila) April 9, 2018
The Myna Mahila Foundation, based in India, aims to create a network of female entrepreneurs and break down taboos around topics like menstruation.
We’ve made a commitment to our bereaved British Forces children to be there for them throughout their childhood – will you make the same commitment? You can help by pledging a small amount each month at https://t.co/1RH96kYTAX Together we can #HelpTheirChildrenSmile pic.twitter.com/UkplDjA6aM
— Scotty’s L Soldiers (@CorporalScotty) May 9, 2018
Scotty’s Little Soldiers supports children who have lost a parent serving in the British armed forces.
StreetGames is deeply honoured to have been named as one of 7 charities personally selected by HRH #PrinceHarry and Ms. #MeghanMarkle to benefit from the public generosity surrounding the upcoming #RoyalWedding! (1/3)
@KensingtonRoyalhttps://t.co/leCewkz4t7 pic.twitter.com/IOzJzxEy5Z
— StreetGames (@StreetGames) April 9, 2018
Street Games is a charity for community sporting organisations.
We are so honoured to be one of the chosen charities for the #RoyalWedding today. A huge thanks for all the support and donations, these will ensure our direct work with children and young people living with #HIV in the UK and Ireland can continue https://t.co/xa184V6v09 pic.twitter.com/kK3CrBXSD0
— Chiva (@ChivaProjects) May 19, 2018
CHIVA supports children growing up with HIV and AIDS, and their families.
We’re so glad Prince Harry & Megan Markle chose us to benefit from donations marking today’s #RoyalWedding Best wishes to them! Funds raised will help us support homeless people into suitable housing, training courses, with mental health support, as well as campaigning for change pic.twitter.com/Ti28sVh00p
— Crisis (@crisis_uk) May 19, 2018
Crisis is a charity that raises funds to help the homeless with housing and mental health.
Congratulations to the new Duke and Duchess of Sussex! We’re so honoured to be one of the chosen charities to benefit from donations marking the #RoyalWedding Thanks for helping us to create #PlasticFreeCoastlines! https://t.co/xGBVYI3ull pic.twitter.com/NYUcIXFl30
— Surfers Against Sewage (@sascampaigns) May 19, 2018
Surfers Against Sewage is dedicated to curbing pollution in our oceans.
Its official! #HarryandMeghan #RoyalWedding – we are incredibly honoured to have been chosen as 1 of 7 charities for people to support! Help us to transform the lives of more young people by supporting the work we do #getinvolved pic.twitter.com/hsVoxzEknW
— WildernessUK (@WildernessUK) May 19, 2018
The Wilderness Foundation aims to teach conservation values to young people.
And if you’re looking for Christmas gifts for your nerdy mates, we’ve got a list just for you.
