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25
Apr
The entire world seems to have been gripped by the royal wedding fever. Unless you are a hermit living in some mountain hide-away, you would know that Prince William and Kate Middleton will be walking down the aisle on April 29th, 2011 at the famous Westminster Abbey.
Ever since the royal couple announced their April 29 nuptials, merchandisers have been in overdrive creating everything from the usual china collectors’ items and t-shirts to weird and kinky stuff. The royal wedding frenzy has thus resulted in a glut of royal wedding memorabilia.
There are the usual stuff like china ware, postcards, t-shirts, mugs, flags, ash trays, jigsaws, magnets, coins, stamps, and even food items like chocolates, pizza, donuts, roast dinners, cakes and whatnot.
In terms of popularity, the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer in 1981 broke all sorts of box office records in terms of sales of royal memorabilia.
The royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton could smash all previous royal memorabilia and merchandise sales figures thanks to the huge global excitement around the event and the opportunities to buy online. There was no eBay when Prince Charles and Lady Diana married in 1981.
To participate in the wedding of the decade, you can splurge on the wide choices of Prince William and Kate Middleton memorabilia.
Royal Wedding Collector’s Edition Condom
The aptly-named Crown Jewels Condoms of Distinction has launched the “Royal Wedding Collector’s Edition” souvenir condom to celebrate to commemorate Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding on April 29.
The contraceptives are sold in packs of three with a picture of the royal couple in front. The condoms have been described as “combining the strength of a prince with the yielding sensitivity of a princess-to-be.”
There has also been negative reactions to the condoms, with Majesty magazine editor Ingrid Seward saying that it was tasteless and hurtful.
‘Lie back and think of England’
“Like a Royal Wedding, intercourse with a loved one is an unforgettable occasion.” So say the folks at Crown Jewels, who advise their customers to “Lie back and think of England.”
If you purchase a box of the condoms and actually used them – as opposed to saving them as souvenirs – don’t be surprised if a new kind of prince or princess enters your life in say nine months or so.
Crowned Jewels “condoms of distinction” may promise a “union of pleasure and style,” but they also contain a disclaimer stating that they are “a novelty product and may not be suitable as a contraceptive or barrier against sexually transmitted diseases.”
“Kiss Me Kate” Beer
England’s Castle Rock Brewery has created 70,000 bottles of Kiss Me Kate beer, which is available exclusively at Britain’s Morrisons supermarket. Those heading to England for the wedding can also sample the brew on draught in Castle Rock pubs throughout April. Cheers!
Royal Virility Performance Brew
“Royal Virility Performance” is a brew which touts itself as “a beer to stir the loins of newlywed princes, summon the ghosts of long gone princesses and cure the stammer of stuttering kings.”
The Scotland-based BrewDog Brewery’s web site says the artisanal pale ale is laced with an “herbal Viagra,” chocolate, horny goat weed and “a healthy dose of sarcasm.”
Long live the Royal Dick!
William and Kate Greeting Card with Teabags
Oh, how the British love tea! So if you are a tea lover, you can dip either William or Kate in hot water. Fancy telling your friends that you have tasted Kate!
Royal Wedding Sick Bags
British artist Lydia Leith from Carlisle has created a specially designed hand screen-printed “Royal Wedding Sick Bag”for those already sick of hearing about Prince William’s upcoming nuptials to Kate Middleton. Leith, 24, has already sold out of her first batch, available for Ł3 each.
Lydia, who now lives in Edinburgh and is a graduate from the city’s College of Art, admits she does not think it will be used as a sick bag.
Each bag features an illustration of Kate and Wills. Above their head hovers a regal crown and the words “Throne Up.” The bottom of the bag reads “Royal Wedding Sick Bag. Keep this handy on April 29th, 2011.”
“The bags are just a bit of fun, a sort of antidote to the hysteria surrounding the wedding,” Leith said. “I’m not an anti-monarchist in the slightest!
Royal Wedding Perfume
Here is a run-down of three of the perfumes dedicated to the royal wedding.
Roja Dove of Harrods Haute Parfumerie has commissioned Clive Christian to create a special luxurious set engraved with the initials of the betrothed. The crystal bottles are adorned with diamond solitaires and house an already existing perfume often advertized as being the most expensive one in the world, The No.1 Perfume. Only 1000 copies are reportedly released each year.
“Since this is Prince William’s great-great-great-great-grandmother’s chosen perfumery and No. 1 is inspired by the love of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, the unique pair of perfumes will be an invisible connection between Prince William and Catherine and is an ideal way for them to pay homage to his royal ancestors on their wedding day.”
The set will be offered as a wedding present by Roja Dove through the royal house.
Floris, one of the oldest perfumeries extant in the world, established in 1730, have also insisted on paying homage to the momentous event. Simply called Wedding Bouquet, the perfume “has been created by drawing inspiration from the most popular Floris wedding fragrances from the past and introducing a modern twist using a white flower theme.”
Grossmith of London have also taken the opportunity to re-create an ancient recipe used in 1893 to celebrate the betrothal and wedding of “a Princess who became Queen of England,” i.e., Queen Mary who married King George V. The floral bouquet is said to be “perfect for a modern princess.”
Outside of Great-Britain, German perfumer Kim Weisswange of Capital Cosmetics claims she has been commissioned to craft a duo of perfumes for Kate and William called William and Catherine. The royal house denies the claim but apparently Weisswange is a nose with celebrities credentials since Madonna, Prince Charles and the Queen are reported to wear her fragrances.
William is said to be strong and sporty while Catherine is a based on rose and magnolia.
Royal Wedding Apps
Numerous mobile apps for Apple iPhones, iPads and other iOS devices are being touted as indispensable for keeping track of and connected with The Royal Wedding. These are truly 21st Century souvenirs of the first 21st Century British Royal Wedding.
The Daily Mirror’s smartphone app is one of the best royal wedding apps. It gives a unique glimpse into the world of Prince William and Kate Middleton. Everything you could ever want to know about the couple can now be in the palm of your hand in an instant, on your iPhone, iTouch, iPad or Nokia smartphone.
And with 10 chapters packed with brilliant writing, stunning pictures – plus video and audio on Apple devices – there is enough to keep you riveted until the big day on April 29 – and beyond.
Narrated by the Daily Mirror’s legendary former Royal Correspondent James Whitaker, who has been reporting on the royals since 1968, the app, called Wills & Kate A Royal Love Story, tells the story of their romance in 10 chapters.
It follows William and Kate’s early years, their families and friends, as well as tracking their courtship from the moment they first met as students at university in 2001 to their much-anticipated engagement last November.
The app is packed full of unique pictures from formal and informal events, and each image comes with a detailed description.
For a choice of other apps, go to this link.
Franklin Mint Kate Middleton Dolls
The Franklin Mint Kate Middleton Royal Engagement Doll is a beautiful and authentic replica of the future Princess, featuring hand-painted, life-like portrait sculpture, jewelry and a reproduction of the blue silk jersey dress that was worn to formally announce the engagement. The Franklin Mint Kate Middleton doll also features miniature replicas of the jewelry the soon-to-be princess donned, including the necklace, earrings, and engagement ring, all outfitted with simulated sapphires, diamonds, and other jewels.
The Royal Wedding Doll will feature an exact replica of the dress that will be worn in the wedding. The doll’s wig will reflect the hair style that is worn on her wedding day, and will feature a miniature tiara that Kate Middleton will wear as well.
Commemorative China
England’s fine bone China manufacturers have produced a fine collection of official crockery. If you are a collector of such items, you are truly spoiled for choice.
KK Outlet’s Plates
KK Outlet’s plates boast funny, clever slogans, including “Thanks for the free day off,” “Economic crisis? What economic crisis?” and “It should have been me.” Thumbs up to the creative team at KK Outlet for designing something so cheeky and honest. The collection is available at kkoutlet.com.
Prince Harry & Kate Royal Wedding Mug
A souvenir company has come out with a Royal Wedding commemorative mug, but they put Prince Harry’s photo on it instead of Prince William’s. There are suspicions that the company did it on purpose, as an elaborate spoof. Others have speculated they did it to sell more of the supposed “error” mugs.
On the back, an inscription reads: “The fairytale romantic union of all the centuries. 29th April 2011.”
The mug, supposedly designed by a Chinese firm Guandong Enterprises, can be purchased for the princely sum of Ł9.99 plus postage and packaging.
However, the fact that the company is apparently registered in Britain has led some to suspect it is all an elaborate spoof.
The website promoting the mug reads: “Crafted in the finest bone china, it features an exquisite design of the happy couple with ornate gold detailing to honour this great moment in history.
“Please be our guests to own this esteemed, limited edition heirloom to celebrate with your work associates, friends, family and loved ones on 29th April 2011.”
The company adds: “You are welcome to purchase now to avoid disappointment and regret.”
To avoid confusion, the small print states that the mugs “are not supplied to, or approved by, Prince William of Wales, Catherine Middleton or any member of the Royal Family.”
Jan Constantine’s Regal Cushion Collection
The Royal Wedding cushions are sophisticated and have the names of William and Catherine embellished in antique gold across the heart and adorned with the crown of Prince William.
Prince William and Kate Middleton Commemorative Tapestry Cushions
If you want Prince William and Kate Middleton in your bed or your lounge, just order Prince William and Kate Middleton commemorative cushions.
The Crown and Coronets Wallpaper
The Crown and Coronets Wallpaper by the wall-paper company, Graham and Brown, seeks homage to the British royals and is one of the more classy memorabilia out there.
The William & Catherine Commemorative Chair
The William & Catherine Commemorative Chair is elegant and also features the couple’s names and the wedding date.
The Royal Refrigerator By General Electric
The refrigerator has a giant-sized photo of Prince William and Kate Middleton plastered bang on the doors.
The Limited Edition Royal Wedding Sliding Door System
You can opt for the Limited Edition Royal Wedding Sliding Door System featuring Kate and William’s photo image on glass panels.
Kate and William Porcelain Throne
If you want a touch of royalty in your bathroom, you can order the Kate and William Porcelain Throne. A bit disrespectful, don’t you think so?
William & Kate Pez Dispenser
The royal wedding PEZ dispenser featuring Prince William and Kate Middleton was sold on eBay for a whopping $13,360. A Connecticut man placed the winning bid and PEZ has announced that the proceeds will go to charity.
Royal Mail Stamps
Stock up on Britain’s Royal Mail commemorative stamps, featuring Mario Testino’s official engagement photos of Will and Kate.
Niue Stamps
The tiny Pacific island of Niue caused a storm of controversy when they released their commemorative royal wedding stamp, featuring a tear down the middle of the happy couple. The complete stamp is worth $5.80 New Zealand dollars, but used separately, Will’s side is worth NZ$3.40 and Kate’s just NZ$2.40. Ominous signs of a future split? Let’s hope not!
Knit Your Own Royal Wedding Book
For those of you who love arts and crafts, you can even “knit your own Royal wedding” with Fiona Goble’s instructional book which offers knitting patterns for the entire royal family in their full wedding finery! The whole wedding party is included – even the Archbishop of Canterbury and the corgis!
Royal Couple Knitted Toys
Kate Bevan, a Kate Middleton look-alike, poses for a photograph with a knitted toy inspired by the forthcoming royal wedding, at a toy fair.
Royal Gloves
Handmade in Scotland, these 100-percent lambs-wool and camel-colored gloves feature the royal couple’s names and, of course, the engagement ring.
Kate Engagement Photo Session Dress
Fashion label Reiss has re-created the “Nanette” frock that the princess-to-be Kate wore for her engagement photo session with Mario Testino. As part of the Spring/Summer 2011 collection, the frilly white dress has been produced in a lighter-weight fabric (while still maintaining its original style).
Butter London Nail Lacquer
Butter London is due to release a limited edition nail lacquer in honor of Kate Middleton’s engagement. The shade is said to be gray-blue with glitter galore and is cleverly dubbed “No More Waity, Katie”, a facetious play on the endearing “Waity Katie” nickname given to her pre-engagement.
The Royals Comic Book
Veteran comic book scribe CW Cooke gives Will and Kate’s life stories a comic-book spin in Bluewater Productions’ 32-page tome, available in comic book stores for $3.99.
“The Royals” follows Prince William throughout his privileged upbringing, schooling, hardships and eight-year romance with Kate. The comic will also feature fictional details of the royal wedding, including Kate’s dress, the couple’s honeymoon location and more.
Royal Wedding Children Play Set
Early Learning Centre’s children’s play set includes the bride and groom sitting in a gold-trimmed horse-drawn carriage, flanked by the Queen of England, Prince Phillip and their favorite corgi, with a Royal Cavalry soldier and foot soldier standing guard.
Cupcakes & Ribbons’ Royal Wedding Cupcakes
The cupcakes are baked to order using Cupcakes & Ribbons’ scrummy, gooey vanilla sponge recipe – voted Country Life’s favourite. The Royal Wedding cupcakes are fondant iced with butter cream underneath to seal in the moisture so they will last up to 4/5 days once stored in an airtight container.
Still can’t get enough of the royal wedding memorabilia? The watch this YouTube video on the royal wedding memorablilia
Feeling lost? Get yourself a copy of “The Royal Wedding For Dummies”.
Come Friday, the whole world will grind to a stop to watch the wedding of the century. Get ready your Papa Johns' Royal Wedding Pizza, Royal Wedding Dunkin Donuts, Kate & Wills Roast Dinners and “Kiss Me Kate”,
Let's us cheer to the Royal Couple with our Kiss Me Kate........ Yamseng!


































































