Royal couple given condoms for baby shower

Britain's Prince William and Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, are expecting their first baby this month.Photo / AP

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have received an unusual gift from the Finnish government: condoms.

Prince William and Kate Middleton, due to give birth later this month, were given the condoms as part of a baby shower goodie box.

The gift came from Finland's social security office, Kela. The baby box is given to all expectant mothers in Finland as a starter kit and is credited with keeping infant mortality rates low in the country, The Mirror reported.

The hamper also included leggings, colourful snowsuits, bra pads, muslin squares, a hooded bath towel, hairbrush, nappy rash cream, teething toy and a picture book.

Plus, the packaging itself can double as a crib.

A Kensington Palace spokesman said: "We were delighted to receive the very kind gift of the maternity package from the Finnish government.

"It was a very thoughtful gesture and we're very grateful for it. I'm sure the Duke and Duchess will be very interested to see the contents."

A spokesman for Kela said: "Kela wanted to congratulate the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

"The maternity package gained such a positive response from all around the world. The timing was perfect that the royal couple are having a baby."

Gifts from commercial organisations are not accepted by the royal family, however the palace will receive presents from governments and individuals.

Kate is due to give birth later this month at the private Lindo wing at St Mary's Hospital in Paddington, the same hospital where William was born 31 years ago.

A change in legislation means the new baby will automatically be third in line to the throne after William and Prince Charles, regardless of whether the couple have a boy or girl.

- www.nzherald.co.nz