Among the many presents gifted to Barack and Michelle Obama over the past year, one was a signed photograph of Prince Harry – sent by none other than the man himself.
The US Department of State published its list of gifts to federal employees from foreign government sources on Wednesday. Most of the gifts are subsequently handed over.
Prince Harry, listed under his full title His Royal Highness Prince Henry of Wales, is recorded as giving the President and First Lady a “12” x 10” signed and framed photograph of Prince Henry of Wale” in September, 2015. The photograph, which was estimated to be valued at $450 (£368), was later given to the National Archives and Records Administration.
Other standouts from the list include a packet of Cuban cigars from the President of Cuba Raul Castro. Along with Cuban music CDs, four bottles of spirit and fragrances, the presents were given to Mr Obama in November, 2011. Months later in March, the Obamas visited Cuba in a historic trip helping to bring to an end years of animosity between the two nations dating back to the Cold War.
The liquids and cigars were given to the Secret Service to dispose of, according to the list.
Former Prime Minister David Cameron gave Mr Obama a framed painting of the Wiltshire-based World Heritage site Stonehenge.
Prince Harry was not the only Royal to sign of a photo of himself to a federal employee. Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall also gifted Antony Blinken, the Deputy Secretary of the State, a signed photo of them both with an estimated value of $1,500.00 (£1226). It has been kept for official display.
