The gift fund will support 26 charities of the couple’s choice, incorporating the armed forces, children, the elderly, art, sport and conservation.
Each was hand-picked and chosen with careful thought.
Many of the organisations are small local projects with extremely limited budgets and they spoke yesterday of their great delight and surprise at being chosen, acknowledging that the recognition alone was a real boost.
“It is fantastic news for us and we are extremely honoured and flattered that our work has been acknowledged in such a public way," said Gareth Harper of Northern Ireland-based Peace Players International which uses basketball to unite young people from Catholic and Protestant backgrounds
“We met them when they were in Belfast last week and were very impressed with how knowledgeable they were about our work and how committed they were to the initiative. We were able to say a personal thank you, it’s a huge boost.”
St James's Palace said in a statement: "Having been touched by the goodwill shown them since the announcement of their engagement, Prince William and Miss Middleton have asked that anyone who might wish to give them a wedding gift consider giving instead to a charitable fund.
“Many of the charities are little known, without existing royal patronage, and undertake excellent work within specific communities.
"They are charities that have a particular resonance with Prince William and Miss Middleton and reflect issues in which the couple have been particularly interested in their lives to date."