Prince William and Kate Middleton, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, are delighted by the public response to their Royal Wedding Charitable Gift Fund that has resulted in an additional £1m for charities, says Clarence House.

A spokesperson said: “They are very happy with the fantastic amount that has been raised," adding: “It did not set out as a fundraising exercise but was an idea driven by the royal couple as a  way for members of the public to show their support and goodwill. The donations were mainly a mix of five and ten pound donations with some more substantial gifts.

The total of £1,058,367will now be distributed through the Foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry among 26 voluntary sector organisations. These include Combat Stress, the mental health charity for war veterans, Beatbullying and three community foundations in Berkshire, Scotland and Wales, where money will be allocated to help and support carers. The charities have been chosen by the royal couple to reflect their interests.

Stephen Hammersley, Community Foundation Network’s (CFN) chief executive, said: “We are delighted with the generosity of all those who made a donation. They have given their support to organisations striving to make a difference to their local community or wider society. It is exciting evidence of a developing culture of responsibility in the UK.”