Berkshire charity chosen for royal wedding

Berkshire Community Foundation to receive donations in place of wedding gifts to royal couple

THE Berkshire Community Foundation (BCF) has been selected by Prince William and Kate Middleton as one of 26 charities to which people should donate instead of giving them a wedding gift.

A statement released by Clarence House today (Wednesday) 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.”

The Theale-based charity celebrated its 25th anniversary last year, and chief executive Andrew Middleton said he was “thrilled and delighted” at the announcement, given Miss Middleton's ties to the area through her family in Chapel Row.

“It's been a bit of a shock, but we are keeping our feet on the ground. It's early days but it could really do a lot of help around here. What a nice gesture, it is so nice that we have the local connection,” he said.

The community foundation, which supported more than 300 groups and individuals across Berkshire over the last year to the tune of about £560,000, currently manages endowed funds of more than £5.6m - a far cry from the original £500 invested in 1985.

Donations can be made through the website www.royalweddingcharityfund.org which includes a full list of the charities to benefit, personally chosen by Prince William and Miss Middleton.

The donations 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 benefitting charities to ensure maximum impact.