Kate doll surfs wave of royal wedding memorabilia

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

Franklin Mint announces release of Kate Middleton Doll, priced at $195Latest in tidal wave of royal wedding-related collectibles British designers of everything from cushions to china hope it will boost their profile Internet has made occasion-based memorabilia more globally available

One of a two-doll Lange Cocktailjurken Kate set (the bridal version will be released after Britain's Royal Wedding takes place), the 16-inch doll's release is announced this week, in anticipation of the royal couple's big day.

The global excitement around the British royal wedding, combined with the opportunities offered for internet businesses -- there was no eBay when Charles and Diana married in 1981 -- means this wedding could break all previous official and unofficial merchandise sales. And companies including the Franklin Mint are hoping to cash in.

Gwynne Gorr, a longtime collector and chief marketing officer for the Franklin Mint says, "The Cocktailjurken 2013 memorabilia will be much more available High Low Schoolfeest Jurken in the world market just because you can buy things on the internet . It will have a positive impact on the merchandising of this event."

While Buckingham Palace accepts that it cannot control all merchandise associated with the wedding, the Queen and Co. have shown a strong preference for classic souvenirs of the occasion, such as porcelain pillboxes and commemorative cups.

In a memorandum to staff in December, the Lord Chamberlain, Earl Peel said, "We want items that are permanent and significant."

Initially, the Palace even shied away from that staple British souvenir, the trusty tea towel. They relented in January this year, though the official towel will feature William and Kate's initials, rather than their faces.

Others have no such concerns. Irreverent royal items this time around include KK Outlet's plates emblazoned with "Thanks for the free day off," Butter London's "No More Waity, Katie" nail polish and even Crown Jewels condoms -- promising a "better class of lovemaking."