Prince William has revealed that Jellycat toys have become "children's currency" in the royal household, with his three children being avid fans of the popular plush toys.
The Prince of Wales made the admission whilst meeting nine-year-old Mateo Robayna at a Buckingham Palace garden party yesterday.
Mateo, the brother of late cancer campaigner Liz Hatton, presented William and Catherine with special Jellycat toys that held particular significance to his sister's memory.
Upon receiving the gifts, William expressed his delight, saying: "My children will love these. They are children's currency."
Prince William has revealed that Jellycat toys have become "children's currency" in the royal household, with his three children being avid fans of the popular plush toys.
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The revelation offers a rare glimpse into the preferences of Princes George, 11, and Louis, 7, and Princess Charlotte, 10, suggesting the royal children share the same enthusiasm for the viral plush toys as many of their peers.
Mateo gifted the Prince of Wales a collector's item 'Pickled Onion' Jellycat, while Catherine received a 'Tarte au citron' plush toy.
These were not random selections but carefully chosen tributes to his sister Liz.
The toys were specially selected based on Liz's love of lemon drizzle cake and pickled foods, explained Mateo's mother Vicky.
Both William and Catherine were touched by the gesture, with each asking Mateo separately if he was certain he wanted to part with the toys.
Both William and Catherine were touched by the gesture, with each asking Mateo separately if he was certain he wanted to part with the toys.
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The Princess of Wales, dressed in a striking lemon-coloured ensemble, noted the coincidental match with her gift, saying: "It matches my dress, how did you know? We talked about it. When I see the fish and chips Jellycat, I think of her."
Mateo explained that Jellycats were his sister's favourite, which she would give to people who "made her happy".
The seemingly unusual choice of toys carried profound meaning connected to Liz Hatton, who tragically died last November at just 17 years old after battling a rare form of terminal cancer.
The lemon tart Jellycat symbolised a touching moment during Liz's visit to Windsor Castle last October. When invited by the royal couple for tea, William and Catherine asked their team to discover her favourite foods.
Despite her cancer affecting her sense of taste, Liz's parents mentioned her love of lemon drizzle cake, prompting the royal kitchen to prepare a special cake just for her.
Liz later declared it the best she had ever eaten and continued to reminisce about it even in her final days.
The Princess of Wales was dressed in a striking lemon-coloured ensemble.
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The pickled onion toy was chosen "because Liz loved all things pickled," her mother Vicky explained, adding that she thought the prince would appreciate the humour.
The royal couple made a point of inviting Liz's family to the garden party as a tribute to their "incredible daughter and sister". The family includes mother Vicky, step-father Aaron and brother Mateo.
Catherine expressed her admiration for Liz's spirit, saying: "She really made the most of everything. I loved her creativity all the way through."
The Princess also offered support to the family, adding: "If you need any help fundraising, maybe I can help. Please stay in touch, really."
William and Catherine have maintained private contact with the family since meeting Liz last year.
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The garden party interaction highlighted the genuine connection the royal couple formed with Liz and her family, with both royals taking time to speak individually with young Mateo about his thoughtful gifts.
Liz Hatton had inspired the nation with her courageous battle against cancer and her determination to complete a "bucket list" of photographic assignments. Her talent caught the attention of Prince William, who invited her to Windsor Castle last October to capture an investiture ceremony.
During this visit, the special lemon drizzle cake was prepared that would become such a cherished memory for Liz.
Following her passing in November, William and Catherine paid public tribute to her, saying: "It was an honour to have met such a brave and humble young woman. Our thoughts and prayers are with Liz's parents Vicky and Aaron, and her brother Mateo, at this unimaginably difficult time."
