In a shocking revelation, it has been disclosed that Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has refused to return £7 million worth of wedding gifts to their senders, according to Prince Harry.
The couple was instructed to return any gifts they received at their wedding in 2018, but it appears that Meghan did not comply.
Back in May 2018, as crowds gathered near Windsor Castle to catch a glimpse of the newlyweds, fans were eager to show their support and shower the couple with gifts.
However, an obscure rule prevented Harry and Meghan from accepting these tokens of affection.
Prior to the wedding, an official statement was issued, urging well-wishers to send gifts to Kensington Palace instead of bringing them to Windsor.
Kensington Palace stated, “When gifts are accepted, the consent of the member of the royal family should be contingent upon the enterprise undertaking not to exploit the gift for commercial purposes.”
This rule aimed to prevent the royal family from endorsing products through the acceptance of gifts.
While many adhered to this guideline, some guests chose to overlook it and presented their offerings at the wedding venue, hoping to capture Meghan’s attention.
However, it has now come to light that Harry and Meghan initially resisted returning an estimated £7 million worth of gifts to their senders.
Eventually, they were compelled to comply, although Meghan was reportedly displeased with the decision and reluctantly returned the presents.
It is worth noting that there is a specific protocol for sending gifts to members of the royal family.
According to the official royal family website, only gifts in the form of food or flowers valued under £150 are permitted.
This incident is not the first time Meghan’s behavior regarding gifts has raised eyebrows.
Reports have surfaced about alleged bullying by Meghan, including an incident where she reprimanded a staff member for accepting freebies, as it violated protocol.
Melissa Tubati, who served as Meghan’s personal assistant, left her position after just six months, allegedly due to clashes with Meghan over the retention of freebies and clothing.
Melissa is believed to be one of the individuals mentioned in the bullying report.
In his forthcoming memoir, Prince Harry reveals that Meghan kept some gifts but distributed them among the staff at Kensington Palace.
This action, however, goes against protocol.
Evidently, Harry seems to justify this behavior by considering it acceptable if Meghan gives away items she doesn’t want to keep for herself.
It appears that Meghan believed she was above the rules and had the freedom to disregard any policies she disagreed with.
Furthermore, Meghan’s extravagant wardrobe in her first year as a member of the royal family reportedly cost Prince Charles a staggering £1 million.
This excessive spending raised concerns about the financial support provided to the couple.
If such lavishness were to continue, the duchy would face imminent bankruptcy.
In fact, Meghan’s expenses exceeded those of all the female members of the main European monarchies combined.
A yearly list of their expenditures is published for public scrutiny.
The refusal to return the wedding gifts and the alleged flouting of royal protocols have further fueled criticism of Meghan Markle.
The incident sheds light on her disregard for established rules and expectations within the royal family.
As public opinion remains divided, it is evident that Meghan’s actions continue to provoke controversy and scrutiny.