Ideas for a royal wedding gift - Independent Online

Reuters

When Prince William and Kate Middleton open the mountain of presents arriving from all over the world before their wedding day on April 29, perhaps they should spare a thought for William's paternal grandparents. Photo: Reuters

Related Stories

• Tough challenge for Wills and Kate

London - When Prince William and Kate Middleton open the mountain of presents arriving from all over the world before their wedding day on April 29, perhaps they should spare a thought for William's paternal grandparents.

For among the glittering gifts sent to commemorate Princess Elizabeth's marriage to the Duke of Edinburgh on November 20, 1947, nestled an automatic potato peeler and a vacuum cleaner.

This is just one of many gems in Five Gold Rings, A Royal Wedding Souvenir Album telling the charming stories of five Royal weddings from Queen Victoria to Queen Elizabeth II.

Compiled by Royal Librarian Jane Roberts and Sabrina Mackenzie, the album includes drawings and photographs of the brides and grooms, invitations, dresses, menus, cakes, flowers and exquisite jewellery.

A sapphire and diamond suite diamond chandelier earrings was given to Princess Elizabeth by her parents. A gold cuff was presented to the future Queen Alexandra in 1863 by the Duke of Cambridge.

A ruby and diamond bracelet was given to Queen Mary by the county of Cornwall for her wedding in 1893. - The Mail on Sunday