News April 10, 2018
Commemorative Merch Abounds for Harry & Meghan’s Royal Wedding
The U.S. might have thrown off the yoke of the British monarchy 242 years ago, but that political severing didn’t stop America’s fascination with the U.K.’s royal family. Case in point: When Prince William and Kate Middleton tied the knot in 2011, royal wedding viewing parties took place across the U.S., and Kate and Will merch sold in the states as briskly as pints of Boddingtons at a Manchester local.
So it’s little surprise that as Prince Harry and his American fiancée Meghan Markle prepare to tie the knot in May, a profusion of official and unofficial Harry and Meg merch has flooded the market, drawing ample interest in both the U.S. and U.K.
Items include classic formal offerings like the Royal Collection Trust’s upscale set of fine bone china, approved by Meghan and her prince. There are also off-the-wall items, including life-size cardboard cutouts of the couple and a box of Royal Wedding condoms. When opened, the box plays a special arrangement of “God Save the Queen” and “The Star Spangled Banner.” We’ll leave the jokes to you.
Anyway, here is just a small sampling of Royal Wedding merchandise that’s on offer.
This mug is part of the official Royal Collection Trust set of fine bone china approved by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. “The exclusive design shows a monogram surmounted by the coronet of Prince Harry, and tied together with white ribbons,” says the Royal Collection Trust website. “The decorative borders are inspired by the mid-thirteenth century Gilebertus doors at St. George’s Chapel.”
Given the adult coloring book craze of recent years, we can see parents and kids alike having fun with this coloring book ode to Harry and Meghan.
Crown Jewels Heritage Condoms released this box of Royal Wedding condoms. When opened, it plays an arrangement of “God Save the Queen” and “The Star Spangled Banner.”
If you’re planning to host an English tea service while watching the wedding, why not wear this limited-edition adorable apron we found on Victoria Eggs while preparing the scones and cucumber sandwiches?
Websites like Amazon and Redbubble are brimming with T-shirts themed around the forthcoming royal nuptials. We thought this design available on Redbubble was cute, referring as it does to the 1989 romantic comedy film When Harry Met Sally.
Like the T-shirt above, this button taps into the “When Harry Met Meghan” theme again. It’s available on Zazzle, where you can find a bunch of other Royal Wedding buttons.
Another sentimental T-shirt. This one is available from HellaPrints.
Paper dolls of the royal couple. Because why not.
ChoconChoc makes this white chocolate heart bearing the smiling faces of Prince Harry and his bride. Made from Belgian chocolate, the delicious treat comes in a gift box.
In anticipation of the May wedding, Strongbow, an English hard cider brand, has released this new Rosé Apple Hard Cider and Limited Edition Royal Rosé Teacup Set. The creation is a collaboration between Strongbow, British designer Stanley Chow and an English china house. Other adult beverage makers, like Windsor & Eton Brewery, are in on the wedding-themed special releases, too.
Some are putting a humorous twist on the forthcoming wedding with merchandise that pokes a bit of playful fun. We Built This City released this “commemorative” plate. Yes, that’s crooner Ed Sheeran, not Prince Harry.