Australia’s Royal Flying Doctor Service will receive a share in an estimated $1.5 million given to Prince William and Catherine to celebrate their wedding last month.
The new Duke and Duchess of Cambridge asked for charity donations in lieu of traditional wedding presents.
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They nominated 26 charities around the world to benefit from their marriage, including the Royal Flying Doctor Service and New Zealand’s Christchurch earthquake appeal.
The UK’s Daily Telegraph reports thousands of well-wishers made donations to the fund, amounting to about $1.5 million. Australia donated $25,000, while Canada gave the equivalent of $50,000.
The chosen charities are expected to receive the money in the next few weeks. It is not known if it will be split equally into 26 shares, or divided in another way.
William and Catherine’s official gift fund is not the only way the royal wedding has raised money for charity. Princess Beatrice has auctioned off the bizarre Philip Treacy hat she wore to the nuptials.
In pictures: Beatrice’s hat sells for $123,000
The pink silk creation has been mocked around the world for its strange shape and colour. Beatrice decided to capitalise on the attention and put the hat up for sale on auction website eBay.
It attracted bids from celebrities include Australian children’s band The Wiggles, and sold yesterday for $123,000. The money raised will be donated to children’s charities.
Your say: Would you ever consider asking for charity donations instead of wedding or birthday presents?
Video: Princess Beatrice’s hat on eBay
