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Prince & Princess of Wales

Precious jewels and Princess Charlotte

Like many a princess before her, William and Kate’s little girl Charlotte will one day have access to some of the most glittering jewels around. As a senior royal, we will no doubt see the new princess in some of the best known royal sparkle when she reaches an age to wear it. But just to get her in the bling swing, a US company has designed a rattle for her made of sapphires, rubies and diamonds.

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Diamonds are a girl’s best friend, and little Princess Charlotte has already inspired a gem encrusted baby item

The Natural Sapphire Company of New York has announced that it’s making a baby rattle worth around $45,000 for baby Charlotte. Fashioned from 18 carat white gold it features the Union flag made up of red rubies, blue sapphires and white diamonds. The firm is even trying to add some Welsh gold to the item to give it a link to Kate’s wedding ring which, just like all those worn by Windsor brides since 1923, was fashioned from that precious metal.

The company has a history of coming up with sapphire ideas linked to royal babies. They designed a copy with a version of the sapphire and diamond setting on the engagement ring given by William to Kate and which famously belonged to his mother, Diana. That idea came about when the royal couple announced they were expecting Prince George. And his little sister hasn’t been left out when it comes to inspiring baby bling.

The rattle will be given to an organisation that collects gifts on behalf of the royal couple showing that the company is well up to speed on the rules linked to royal gifts.

There is guidance on the website of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge setting out what presents they will personally accept on the birth of Princess Charlotte. Items from commercial enterprises will not be accepted and will be returned unless the postage would be ‘prohibitive’ in which case they will be given to ‘an appropriate charity’.

It is suggested that those wishing to send Charlotte a present either donate money to a local children’s charity or contribute to the Imperial College Healthcare Charity. The charity is part of the hospital where the little princess was born. Funds received will help women and babies to enjoy the best possible care.

But the fact that this little princess has already inspired one new piece of jewellery is a reminder that, like all royal ladies, she will one day wear the tiaras, necklaces, brooches and rings that have adorned regal women for centuries. As she starts out in life, Princess Charlotte’s world is already touched by sparkle.

Photo credit: Judy van der Velden via Flickr

About author

Lydia Starbuck is Jubilee and Associate Editor at Royal Central and the main producer and presenter of the Royal Central Podcast and Royal Central Extra. Lydia is also a pen name of June Woolerton who is a journalist and writer with over twenty years experience in TV, radio, print and online. Her latest book, A History of British Royal Jubilees, is out now. Her new book, The Mysterious Death of Katherine Parr, will be published in March 2024. June is an award winning reporter, producer and editor. She's appeared on outlets including BBC 5 Live, BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Local Radio and has also helped set up a commercial radio station. June is also an accomplished writer with a wide range of material published online and in print. She is the author of two novels, published as e-books. She is also a marriage registrar and ceremony celebrant.