Are Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis Allowed to Keep the Armfuls of Gifts They Received from the Public on Christmas?

Prince Louis received so many gifts from well-wishers at Sandringham on Christmas Day that he needed help from his father, Prince William, to carry them all – but can Louis and his older siblings Prince George and Princess Charlotte keep the gifts given to them by the public?

George (11), Charlotte (9) and Louis (6) were joined by their parents Prince William and Kate Middleton and the rest of the royal family for the annual walk on December 25 after the morning church service at St. Mary Magdalene on the Sandringham estate. The abundance of gifts received by his three children prompted Prince William, 42, to declare: “Flowers [pointing at Charlotte]chocolate [pointing at George and Louis] — very easy!”

Princess Charlotte of Wales, Prince Louis of Wales and Prince George of Wales at the Christmas morning service at Sandringham Church on December 25, 2024 in Sandringham, Norfolk.

Samir Hussein/WireImage

Prince Louis received so many gifts from well-wishers for Christmas that he asked Prince William: ‘Dad, can you bring some?’

Louis received so many gifts that he had to ask his father, “Dad, can you bring something?” A special gift was given to 6-year-old Rupert Bradley, who Hello! He gave Louis a hand-finished silver egg cup and spoon commemorating the coronation of Louis’ grandfather, King Charles. Nicely, Rupert — who is the same age as Louis — received a present in his own Christmas stocking and wanted to give Louis a present too as a kind gesture.

“Rupert has always loved Prince Louis,” said Rupert’s mother Kay Bradley. “They were born a few days apart, so he feels connected.”

Prince Louis of Wales reacts as he carries gifts from well-wishers after attending the royal family’s traditional Christmas service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, Norfolk, eastern England, December 25, 2024.

OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty

When it comes to whether George, Charlotte and Louis can keep the gifts they’ve received, the official royal gift policy states (per Hello!) that members of the royal family are allowed to accept gifts from people they do not know personally, including the public, but the gifts must meet certain criteria.

Flowers, food, and other consumable items (in reasonable amounts) are acceptable, as are copies of books presented by the author, provided the subject matter is not controversial. Other items of lesser monetary value may also be held by members of the royal family, especially items costing less than £150 (which translates to $188 USD).

When it comes to official gifts – like a state visit, for example – the gifts can only be used by members of the royal family or can be displayed, and those gifts automatically become part of the royal collection, according to Hello!.

After a difficult year in which both Kate and King Charles were diagnosed with cancer, the Wales family of five appeared to be enjoying being in the public eye – and Kate, 42, was enjoying it so much that she was heard to exclaim: “I seem to have lost my family!” after William and the kids finished so far ahead of her because she got lost in the conversation with the well-wishers.

Kate Middleton jokes about falling behind Prince William and kids on Christmas walk: ‘I feel like I’ve lost my family!’

The Princess of Wales addresses the public after a Christmas morning church service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, Norfolk.

Aaron Chown/PA Images via Getty

While the Princess of Wales was caught chatting with others, William had a funny moment with George and Charlotte which was captured in photo form. “Look at that dog! Are they in the stroller?” asked William, the interpreter Hello!. (A pram is another term for a pram.)

Can’t get enough of PEOPLE’s Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to receive the latest news on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more!

Prince William, Prince of Wales and his children, Prince George of Wales (C), Princess Charlotte of Wales and Prince Louis of Wales hold gifts from well-wishers after attending the royal family’s traditional Christmas service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, Norfolk. East of England, 25 December 2024.

OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty

Laughingly, the Prince of Wales asked, “Did you steal someone else’s pram or is it your dog’s pram?”

When the owner confirmed to the future king that the stroller actually belonged to her dog, William laughed again and added: “I wish you a wonderful Christmas!” before he and his family eventually returned to Sandringham House and the Christmas lunch that awaited them there.

Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education