NewsBreakingOnline

People wanting to buy wedding presents asked to give instead to a charitable fund Prince William and his fiancee, Kate Middleton, have asked people wishing to give them wedding presents to donate instead to a fund for 26 charities, many supporting disadvantaged inner-city children. A statement issued by Clarence House said: “Having been touched by the goodwill shown them since the announcement of their engagement, Prince William and Miss Middleton have asked that anyone who might wish to give them a wedding gift consider giving instead to a charitable fund. “Many of the charities are little known, without existing royal patronage, and undertake excellent work within specific communities. They are charities that have a particular resonance with Prince William and Miss Middleton and reflect issues in which the couple have been particularly interested in their lives to date.” The announcement may stop some of the lavish gifts bestowed on Prince Charles and Princess Diana at their wedding in 1981, such as a jewel-encrusted dhow from the Emir of Bahrain which ended up being sold by a royal servant to a West End jeweller, and the charities concerned expressed delight at the couple’s gesture. Michael de Giorgio, chief executive of Greenhouse Schools, which provides holiday sporting activities for London children, said the decision to include the charity on the list represented a royal endorsement: “The royal couple have shown the level of social entrepreneurism that will be required to tackle the most pressing social problems.” Among the charities are Peace Players, which promotes cross-community cohesion by teaching children basketball in Northern Ireland; Oily Cart, a children’s theatre group working specially with disabled groups; Into University, which encourages teenagers to apply for higher education; Beat Bullying; Combat Stress and Cruse Bereavement Care for the children of military casualties. Charities working in Australia, New Zealand and Canada will also benefit. The prince is on his way to New Zealand to meet those involved in the Christchurch earthquake and the Pike River mine disaster last November, before heading to Queensland to visit the site of the January floods there. The charities are grouped depending on their work and donations can be earmarked for particular groups: Changing lives through arts and sport; Children fulfilling their potential; Help and care at home; Support for service personnel and their families; and Conservation for future generations. Donations can be made through the www.royalweddingcharityfund.org website. They will be held in a dedicated account by the Foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry and grants will be distributed in partnership with the charities to ensure maximum impact. The list of charities Peace Players Ocean Youth Trust Greenhouse Schools Oily Cart Dance United Into University Venture Trust Beat Bullying Keyfund A National Voice Association for Children’s Palliative Care (ACT) Youth Access Community Foundation in Wales Community Foundation in Scotland Community Foundation in Berkshire Combat Stress Cruse Bereavement Care for Children of Forces’ Families Household Cavalry Benevolent Fund Irish Guards Appeal Army Widows Association Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund ZSL EarthWatch The Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary New Zealand government’s Christchurch earthquake appeal Royal Flying Doctor Service – Australia Royal wedding Monarchy Stephen Bates guardian.co.uk