Many have been accepted with gratitude. However, scores of presents, from expensive handbags to designer dresses, have already been returned by the couple with a polite note of thanks.

Among those who have had gifts returned are royal warrant holders, as well as some of London's most expensive and exclusive shops in Bond Street, Kensington and St James's.

"They are being offered as generous tokens of goodwill," said a royal source. "But the couple have a policy of not accepting gifts from commercial organisations for the royal wedding. Prince William and Miss Middleton are genuinely incredibly touched and grateful but they just cannot accept them."

The couple owe their approach to William and Harry's longstanding custom of strictly interpreting the rules governing royal gifts. Some members of the royal family do accept gifts from warrant holders, but as the princes do not have any warrants they adhere to a blanket ban on gifts from commercial sources.

"They don't want to have a sense of obligation," the palace official said. "If they wear something it might imply an endorsement."

Gifts from members of the public include soft toys, souvenir shop trinkets and even cheques; these are not being sent back. "They are quite sweet small things," the source said.

"The couple won't turn anything away. If a gift is not going to be personally used then it is stored somewhere appropriate. If it is perishable, they either use it or share it with someone appropriate. Occasionally they might donate some of their gifts to charity."

When Martin Adams, the England darts captain, successfully defended his world title he promised to give William and Kate his match darts. "These darts completed a hat-trick at the World Masters and clocked up my third world title, so they are special to me and deserve to go to a special couple," he said.

When Prince Charles nd Lady Diana Spencer married in 1981, they received more than 6000 gifts, including a piece of crocheted lace made from yarn spun by Mahatma Gandhi, a solid gold model of an Arab dhow and a silver-plated mousetrap.

The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh received more than 2500 wedding gifts in 1947, including a racehorse from the Aga Khan. Gifts from the public included a hand-knitted cardigan and bedsocks.

Official bodies and overseas governments have been in touch about gifts. While some will give presents no matter what, the royal couple are keen to encourage charity donations and are drawing up a list of good causes.

William's charity interests are well known - his patronages include organisations for the homeless, wildlife and the Armed Forces. According to palace aides, Miss Middleton is likely to favour charities relating to sport and the arts, including those that encourage access for the young and the elderly.

She will not be rushing to accept charity patronages. Aides are keen to ensure that she is well prepared before embarking on her new life as a member of the royal family.She has been receiving advice from Sir David Manning, the former diplomat and foreign policy aide to Tony Blair, who is an adviser to William and Harry.