Only a princess truly knows what to give a future princess, but we can give it our best guess! I think Kate is searching for something formal enough for the occasion, but also personal–something that matches Meghan’s own special style while acknowledging the importance of her new public role. Here are my ideas:
Jewelry
Before Kate married William, Camilla gave Kate a charm bracelet that had their official “C” ciphers on either side of a silver charm. I suspect she will let Camilla give Meghan something similar, but might still venture down the jewelry path with either a horse shoe or swallow necklace.
Horse shoes are traditional given to English brides as they leave the church after the wedding ceremony. We haven’t seen that happen at other royal weddings, but there are so many beautiful versions of this universal symbol for good luck that Meghan would love.
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As for swallows…Harry will be given a Dukedom for his wedding, and Meghan will become his Duchess. The bookmakers are betting on the couple becoming Duke and Duchess of Sussex, and the flag of Sussex is six stylized yellow birds on a blue background. In heraldry, the birds are called martlets and, in England, are considered to be representations of swallows–birds that mate for love and life. This dainty charm lends itself perfectly to stacking with the delicate chains Meghan loves to wear.
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If had to to put a bet in with one of those bookmakers, however, I’d choose this jewelry box by Anya Hindmarch. It’s a significant piece that can be personalized in Kate’s own handwriting–formal but familiar.
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If you’re looking for a wedding gift for a good friend, Anya Hindmarch offers a plethora of gifts–at all price points–that can be customized in many different ways. I’ve already decided that the site is now my go-to when I need to give a present to mark a milestone year.
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Home
First and foremost, I think Kate will give Meghan a tree. When her own wedding was over, the trees that made Westminster Abbey feel like an English country garden were planted outside of Prince Charles’s home in Wales. A tree is a living reminder of a couple’s wedding day–a gift that will grow as the marriage does. Since the Queen hasn’t yet given Harry and Meghan their own version of Anmer Hall, here’s a lemon tree that will grow happily inside Nottingham Cottage.
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I also think she might give Meghan an extravagant vase. They both love flowers in their home, and a statement piece could hold decades of birthday, holiday, and anniversary bouquets. One of the most useful presents I got for my own wedding was a true bud vase–one that’s the perfect size to hold the stray blooms that break on the way home from the store. I’d choose this one:
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My mother never buys anything off the registry–she believes a beautifully unexpected gift makes bride feel special. And so I give you the most arcane gift I could find: an antique sugar caster. In addition to being a beautiful conversation piece, this device scatters sugar evenly over cereal, cakes, and toast. It also happens to be have been made by Birks, the brand which now designs some of Meghan’s favorite jewelry.
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The Job
Kate has years of professional experience to give Meghan as she begins life as a true royal. I think it would be a lovely gesture for Kate to give her some on-the-job items that she might not know she needs. Like Cornelia James gloves–perhaps not entirely Meghan’s style, but always appropriate.
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Meghan will also need a scarf in the tartan of her adopted Scottish clan. Rumor has it that Harry will be given the Scottish title Earl of Ross, as many second sons of the monarch have been, before. Kate could give her a scarf in this tartan, but if I were her, I’d give Meghan a photo album in the pattern, instead.
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And finally,a proper English umbrella. Its rains in England. Often. The queen uses transparent Fox umbrellas on official appearances, but the swankiest and most bespoke brollies are made by Swaine Adeney Brigg–Kate has one of theirs in red to match the McQueen dress she wore to the Queen’s Jubliee celebrations. The link above will take you to their extensive options. The photo below is probably most suitable for Harry, as it’s the version the company made for The Kingsmen movies (though he might prefer the one that comes with a flask), but the company makes a lovely navy one I think Meghan would adore.
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For those of us on a non-princess budget, Mark and Graham makes the best personalized gifts. I hope you all have a fun gift-giving occasion to go to!
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