Instead of presents, guests at the Royal Wedding were asked to donate to a list of seven good causes
Harry and Meghan’s nuptials look like the wedding that will keeps on giving after the happy couple banished the usual gift guide and told their mostly very wealthy guests to give to good causes instead.
It could mean huge kickbacks not just financially but in terms of PR for the seven charities chosen by the happy couple.
A statement from Kensington Palace said: “Prince Harry and Ms. Markle do not have any formal relationships with the charities chosen. The couple have chosen charities which represent a range of issues that they are passionate about, including sport for social change, women's empowerment, conservation, the environment, homelessness, HIV and the armed forces.
“Many of these are small charities, and the couple are pleased to be able to amplify and shine a light on their work.”
The seven are:
The Children’s HIV Association (CHIVA) supports children growing up with HIV and their families, across the UK and Ireland. It aims to enhance the wellbeing of children and young people with HIV and to create a more hopeful and optimistic future.
Dr Amanda Williams, chair of CHIVA, said: "We are grateful for the opportunity to raise awareness of the complex issues for young people growing up with HIV. We are a very small charity and through our work we support over 1,000 young people living with HIV."
Crisis helps people directly out of homelessness, working side by side with thousands of people each year to help them rebuild their lives and leave homelessness behind for good.
Jon Sparkes, chief executive of Crisis, said: “We are hugely grateful that Prince Harry and Ms. Markle are asking the public to support Crisis as they celebrate their wedding.”
Myna Mahila Foundation empowers women in Mumbai’s urban slums. It also offers women from these communities stable employment close to their homes, and breaks taboos around menstrual hygiene by offering women access to low cost sanitary pads and accurate information at their doorstep. Meghan Markle chose the charity after reading about it in a magazine article.
Suhani Jalota, who founded Myna Mahila in 2015, said: "Myna Mahila Foundation is delighted to be a part of this special occasion for Ms. Meghan Markle and Prince Harry. This support will enable us to expand our reach into more urban slums in Mumba.”
Scotty's Little Soldiers supports bereaved armed forces children. Inspired by the experience of war widow Nikki Scott, the charity offers vital support to children who have lost a parent while serving in the British armed forces.
Scotty’s Little Soldiers founder, Nikki Scott, said: “To have been personally chosen by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle is an incredible honour for Scotty’s Little Soldiers and we are extremely grateful for the opportunity.”
Streetgames uses sport to change lives across the UK, helping people and communities to become healthier, safer and more successful.
Jane Ashworth OBE, CEO of StreetGames, said: "All of us at StreetGames are absolutely thrilled to have been personally chosen by Prince Harry and Ms. Markle. It’s a great honour.”
Surfers Against Sewage is a national marine conservation and campaigning charity which helps communities take action to protect oceans, beaches, waves and wildlife.
Hugo Tagholm, chief executive of Surfers Against Sewage (SAS), said: “Our work as a national marine conservation charity empowers tens of thousands of volunteers annually to protect beaches for everyone.
“SAS is thrilled to be one of the charities chosen to benefit from donations marking the wedding.”
The Wilderness Foundation UKpromotes the benefits and enjoyment of wild nature. Through the great outdoors, the charity helps build resilience in vulnerable teenagers.
Jo Roberts, chief executive, said: "While teaching conservation values, we in turn use the positive power of nature to support and recharge the lives of challenged and vulnerable young people and adults."
