It was just on Tuesday that we learned that Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, was pregnant – and there is already merchandise commemorating the first royal baby!
A commemorative mug with red and blue hearts, and adorned with the phrase “A Royal Baby in 2013” on one side and “Hooray for Will and Kate” on the other, is already in production.
The company responsible for the quick to market souvenir? Emma Bridgewater, a pottery design and manufacturing firm run by Emma and her husband Matthew Rice.
The company was responsible for a significant chunk of the merchandising market for the Queen’s jubilee earlier this year. Their pottery souvenirs racked up almost $5 million dollars in sales.
They won’t be the only ones hot on the trail to commemorate Kate Middleton’s pregnancy with souvenirs.
Jan Constantine, an embroidery designer from Cheshire UK, is already planning royal baby merchandise like mugs, baby blankets and small cushions for the occasion.
Nursery furniture stores are bracing for a brisk business in items branded by or inspired by the royal couple.
And there are unconfirmed reports of maternity wear samples being sent to the palace. Any clothing worn by the Duchess currently sells five times more volume than other similar clothing.
The Royal Collection is the monarchy’s official retailer, and they have not announced plans for any royal baby or Kate Middleton pregnancy merchandise yet.
photo credit: Magnus D
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