Meghan, Harry urge wedding invitees to donate to charities, including one in Mumbai

Washington DC: With only 39 days to go for the Royal Wedding, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have asked their well-wishers to donate to charity organisations instead of showering them with lavish gifts.

"Prince Harry and Ms. Meghan Markle are incredibly grateful for the goodwill shown to them since the announcement of their engagement and are keen that as many people as possible benefit from this generosity of spirit," read an official release published by Kensington Palace on April 9 .

The release stated further read, "The couple, have therefore asked that anyone who might wish to mark the occasion considers making a donation to charity, rather than sending a wedding gift."

Seven charity organizations have been selected by the couple for their well wishers to send in their donations.

E! News reported that the chosen organisations include CHIVA (Children's HIV Association), Crisis, the Myna Mahila Foundation from Mumbai, Scotty's Little Soldiers, StreetGames, Surfers Against Sewage and The Wilderness Foundation UK.

"Prince Harry and Ms. Markle do not have any formal relationships with the charities chosen," the official release mentioned.

"The couples have chosen charities, which represent a range of issues that they are passionate about, including sport for social change, women's empowerment, conservation, the environment, homelessness, HIV and the Armed Forces. Many of these are small charities and the couple is pleased to be able to amplify and shine a light on their work."

The couple will tie the knot on May 19 in England's Windsor Castle.