Royal memorabilia has been around since 1887, when it became customary to sell commemorative items to mark special occasions in the British royal family.
Because few people knew what royal family members looked like – tabloid magazines and TV were yet to be invented – items adorned with their faces became popular.
With the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton set to take place later this year manufacturers have wasted no time cashing in on the occasion with everything from T-shirts, tea towels and crockery featuring the lovebirds’ faces.
One manufacturer has taken it a step further, offering souvenir boxes of condoms and urging buyers to “lie back and think of England”.
British manufacturer Crown Jewels Condoms of Distinction says its product, packaged in a pastel box with a portrait of the couple, will be a “timeless memento of a magical wedding day”.
As marketing ploys go this one is pretty bold but it sends a message to start-ups about how to leverage the popularity of an occasion or person to promote a product.
What other items would benefit from being associated with a celebrity couple or a high profile event?