THE GIFTS that keep on giving

A present to the royals changed everything for these two women

Kate honoured my cousin's memory'

Sophie McGown, 40, lives in Ascot and owns earsass.com

Hearing the 'ker-ching' on my phone, a thrill of pride shot through me.Each chime signified another order for H earrings from my jewellery website. But it wasn't the sales that were important. It was the tribute to my wonderful cousin that made me smile, and it was all thanks to the Princess of Wales.

I'd designed and named the starshaped earrings for my beautiful, funny, smart cousin Issy, who devastatingly took her own life in April 2023, aged just 17. Issy's mum, my auntie Sarah, then gifted Kate a pair when she visited Maidenhead rugby club in June. She told the Princess about Issy, a keen rugby player, and how £5 from every purchase was going to Brave Mind, a charity that supports children using the platforms of rugby clubs.

Issy's story must have resonated with Kate, because on World Mental Health Day in October, she chose the perfect way to honour her by wearing the earrings.