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1. James Bond-Replica Flashlight
Given to the Sussex Duke and Duchess
From Emmanuel Macron, a gift
Estimated Value: $80*
The French President, Emmanuel Macron, made the decision to depart from custom with regard to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Despite the couple's ban on personal gifts during their wedding, Macron couldn't resist giving them some awesome items with Bond themes.
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James Bond-Style Lighter via Pinterest/@modesens
Macron gave the Duke and Duchess a cigarette lighter and two engraved James Bond pens. This present has a past; in 1947, the French president Vincent Auriol sent Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip a Dupont travel case. The custom has been scrupulously upheld over the years.
2. Cover the Lace Tray
Given to the Duke of Edinburgh and Queen Elizabeth II
From Mahatma Gandhi, a gift
Estimated worth: $50–$100*
Many of the wedding gifts that Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip received were on display for the public to see as they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. Mahatma Gandhi personally woven a beautiful lace tray cover, which was one of these gifts.
Topical Lace Tray Cover © Shutterstock/PPress Agency
It seems that Queen Elizabeth II's mother, Queen Mary, mistook the lace tray cover for Gandhi's loincloth when she received it! Fortunately, the assumption proved to be incorrect. That was the tray cover, and the fact that the well-known figurehead had woven it himself made it even more unique. November 20, 1947, the day of the wedding, saw India gain independence from Britain.
