Kensington Palace Refuses Freebies for Newlyweds

Kensington Palace has been inundated with gift boxes and parcels for the newlyweds, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

However, royal aides have prevented brands and famous people from using the couple to gain free publicity by banishing freebies which break rules on gifts.

The official rules state that 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.

The guidelines further state that gifts offered by private individuals living in the UK not personally known to the member of the royal family should be refused where there are concerns about the propriety or motives of the donor or the gift itself.

Kensington Palace often refuses gifts by firms and has posted them back on freebies from businesses.

A panel decides if some of the packages will be donated to charities.

Over the last eight years, younger royals have been bombarded by businesses.

Prince William, 35, and his wife Kate, 36, are believed to have turned down more than £30 million worth of free gear.

The palace overflowed with children's items after the births of Prince George, 4, Charlotte, 3 and newborn Prince Louis, including cots, cars and gems.

Courtiers have spent hours sending back parcels from around the world.