Criticism Mounts as Palace Fails to Release Gift Records for Four Years
Buckingham Palace is facing increasing scrutiny after failing to publish official gift lists for the past four years, a delay attributed to the transition following Queen Elizabeth II's passing in October 2022. Anti-monarchy groups have raised concerns, calling for greater transparency in line with standards for Members of Parliament.
A Palace spokesperson informed the Mail that records would be updated and made public soon, but concerns linger regarding the royal family’s gift acceptance practices. These concerns are heightened by past controversies, including "cash-for-honours" allegations and questions about diamond earrings gifted to Meghan Markle by Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince.
Royal guidelines state that gifts should not create any obligations for the recipients, and personal gifts can only be retained if they are valued at less than £150 or come from close associates. However, recent scrutiny has drawn comparisons to past practices, such as the public display of Princess Elizabeth’s wedding gifts in 1947—disclosures that were notably absent for William and Catherine’s 2011 wedding or King Charles’s recent coronation.
This latest controversy comes amid ongoing investigations into royal charitable foundations, with a recent Charity Commission inquiry revealing the misappropriation of £200,000 intended for the King’s Foundation. Further concerns have been raised following donations, including a £2.5 million contribution from a former Qatari Prime Minister to Prince Charles's fund, intensifying calls for transparency around royal gift and charity protocols.
