They're gonna need a bigger palace! Kate Middleton and Prince William's newborn daughter, Princess Charlotte of Cambridge, is one very lucky (and very popular) baby. Since her birth on May 2, people all over the world have been showering the royal tot with one-of-a-kind gifts from their home countries.
Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott, for example, commissioned a special blanket featuring Tasmanian merino wool and hand-sewn wattle emblems stitched by the Embroiderers' Guild ACT over dozens of hours. "It was just a real thrill, a surprise, and an honor," guild president Di Ballantyne said of being chosen for the project.
Abbott — who met with the Duke of Cambridge during the royal couple's trip to Australia and New Zealand in 2014 — was pleased with the "splendid" work. "I hope that one happy princess is to sleep under this," he told Ballantyne, "and one happy princess is reminded of Australia."
Abbott also revealed on Monday, May 11, that the government plans to donate $10,000 to the Healesville Sanctuary in support of the organization's work with the Mountain Pygmy-possum.
"The Mountain Pygmy-possum is Australia’s only hibernating marsupial. There are fewer than 2,000 left in the wild," Abbott explained. "I hope one day the princess can visit Australia and hold a Mountain Pygmy-possum herself."
Other gifts from international well-wishers include a pink sundress embroidered with the words "From Israel With Love," from President Reuven Rivlin of — where else? — Israel. The sweet frock also features a gold brooch with a heart-shaped charm and a Middle Eastern sign meaning "protection."
"[My wife] Nechama and I, on behalf of all the citizens of Israel, send our sincerest blessings to her, and all the people of the United Kingdom," President Rivlin said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is sending along a special hat for the newest heir to the throne, to "make sure that Princess Charlotte is kept warm in her early years." According to a press release, Glasgow-based firm Wonky Woolies will create the personalized headpiece, which is said to feature a "delicate tartan pattern."
The company is also crafting a second hat just for the Duke and Duchess' firstborn, Prince George of Cambridge. "Of course, the birth of Princess Charlotte was also a big day for Prince George, who became a big brother, and we will make sure he has his own Wonky Woolies hat so there's no headwear-related sibling rivalry," Sturgeon quipped.
Moreover, she added, the Scottish government plans to donate 25,000 pounds each to the charities Cash for Kids and Turning Point. "The birth of a new baby is always an occasion which brings celebration and joy, and I'm happy to be marking the arrival of Princess Charlotte on behalf of the people of Scotland," Sturgeon shared.
Elsewhere, Charlotte's uncle Prince Harry received a shirt for himself and an infant "footysuit" for his newborn niece from the Hurricanes football team in New Zealand, where he's currently on tour. And Polish company Whisbear has gifted the royal family with a special crown-wearing edition of its humming teddy bear, which is said to recreate sounds heard in the womb.
