Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge, née Kate Middleton, were showered with hundreds of gifts as they carried out tours of Australia, New Zealand and New York last year. In documents revealed by Buckingham Palace, members of the public can now see what kind of presents the Duke and Duchess were given – from a polo mallet to pillow cases, to a basket of honey and a decorated ostrich egg. During their three-week tour Down Under last April, William and Kate received a wealth of gifts, with some of the most unusual being a hip flask, a sleeping bag and a beanie hat made of camel hair, all presented to them by local authorities who were showing them around.
© Photo: Getty ImagesDuchess Kate and Prince William received more than 2,000 gifts last year
As the couple also took part in various walkabouts, they were greeted by eager locals who were keen to hand William and Kate presents. Their appearances rallied up an additional 44 pieces of clothing, 26 pieces of jewellery and 41 household items, among countless other gifts. Prince George didn't miss out on his fair share of presents too, as the couple's adorable 17-month-old son was another recipient of souvenirs.
© Photo: Getty ImagesPrince George makes a new friend in the form of a giant wombat toy
George looked particularly thrilled to make a new friend in the form of a giant wombat toy, which was given to him by Australia's Governor-General Peter Cosgrove – adding to the more than 219 other games and toys he received on his first overseas trip. The National Cycling Centre of Excellence and Avantidrome in New Zealand went as far as to give George a mini bicycle, as well as a personalised cycling shirt that bore his title.
© Photo: Getty ImagesPrince William and Kate were given various personalised gifts for Prince George
Similarly, when William and Kate travelled to New York in December, the couple also accepted a mini basketball jersey on behalf of their son, which had George's name and the number one printed on the back, given to the tot by basketball ace LeBron James. William's solo trip to Malta in September, which Kate was forced to pull out of last minute due to morning sickness, saw the Duke receive even quirkier gifts. The mayor of Kalkara gave William a decorated ostrich egg, while the mayor of Birgu presented him with a vase.
