What do you get the Princess that has everything?
If you’re a world leader, then the answer is: something she probably already has.
Since her birth on May 2nd, Princess Charlotte has received gifts from countries all around, including Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Japan. But aside from the occasional sapphire encrusted baby rattle, the gifts have generally been of a ordinary nature. Bears, blankets and babywear have been the order of the day, with most countries just sending a regular gift – with a national twist.
Our own Tony Abbott today unveiled the baby blanket embroidered with gold and green wattles that we will be sending the little Princess.
Australia’s own gift was a more traditional choice – a merino wool blanket embroidered with green and gold wattles. The embroidery took over 200 hours to complete.
But don’t worry: we didn’t just send a blanket, we actually got her something pretty cool. Our PM donated $10,000 to a pygmy-possum sanctuary in Princess Charlotte’s name. Cute.
Determined to prove they’re not really part of Australia, Tasmania sent Princess Charlotte their own gift – a purple ‘heat pack’ teddy bear filled with Lavender. Show offs.
Don’t worry, it wasn’t just Tasmania. The Northern Territory also broke off, and sent Charlotte a limited edition ‘Too Many Cheeky Dogs’ book, customised to include the Queen’s corgis.
Israel’s Reuven Rivlin sent the newborn Princess a dress and brooch. “[My wife] Nechama and I, on behalf of all the citizens of Israel, send our sincerest blessings to her, and all the people of the United Kingdom,” said the President.
Canada sent the Princess a pair of sealskin moccasin booties. Not sure everyone will approve of those, though.
New Zealand went the national route, and sent Charlotte a woolen babywear set and a pelt teddy bear made from New Zealand’ finest wool.
The Wellington Hurricanes also had their own gift for Her Royal Highness – a tiny baby uniform, which was delivered through Prince Harry on his tour.
Scotland sent through a baby ‘Wonky Woolie’ hat in a ‘delicate tartan pattern’. As well as a £50,000 yearly donation to a children’s charity.
Japan has received some backlash over their ‘gift’. The national zoo chose to name their newborn macaque ‘Charlotte’, but it’s safe to say, people aren’t thrilled.
PETA sent through their own gift, as well. These baby booties are decorated with little bears and are animal-cruelty free. Unnecessary smear campaign to follow.
Not to be outdone by… well, anybody. The Natural Sapphire Company sent Charlotte a $45,000 sapphire encrusted rattle. As you do.
Yorkshire chose to send a gift just about as English as any gift could be. The Yorkshire Tea Company released a special edition of the classic English Breakfast named ‘Charlotte’s Tea’, which they sent her along with a hand-painted tea set.
The Royal Mint released these limited edition pennies in celebration of the royal birth. A silver penny was gifted to every baby in the UK born on Charlotte’s birthday. If your baby wasn’t, don’t worry. You can purchase the one on the right from as little as $18,000.
And in true English style, the UK didn’t send anything – except some cannonballs. The Kings Troop Royal Horse Artillery fired 41 shots in celebration.
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