William and Kate: Royal Wedding Collectibles

Royal wedding collectibles are of interest to those who follow British royalty and the upcoming nuptials of Prince William and Kate Middleton. This isn't the first time that a royal wedding has captured the public's imagination: first there was the wedding of Monaco's Prince Rainier and American actress Grace Kelly, and in 1981, the world was captivated when Prince Charles wed Diana Spencer in a royal ceremony of epic proportions.

In an era before internet access, many Americans rose before dawn to watch the royal wedding unfold on television as Lady Diana Spencer became Diana, Princess of Wales. In honor of this momentous occasion, collectors of royal wedding memorabilia spent a fortune purchasing a variety of commemorative items, such as Princess Diana paper dolls and coloring books.

Thirty years later, the world eagerly anticipates another royal wedding: the April 2011 nuptials of Princess Diana's son Prince William and Kate Middleton. A variety of royal wedding collectibles and souvenirs are available online, sure to please collectors who follow British royalty and William and Kate's love story. Celebrate the occasion with this selection of William and Kate royal wedding memorabilia.

William and Kate Royal Wedding Collectibles: Princess Kate Bride Doll

Danburymint.com commemorates the upcoming royal wedding of William and Kate by offering the Kate Middleton "Princess Kate Bride Doll." Kate Middleton fans can purchase this 16 inch doll made of porcelain that will feature a reproduction of Kate's wedding gown (which remains a secret until the big day!) After the William and Kate royal wedding ceremony, designers will produce the Princess Kate Bride Doll and recreate all the exact details of her wedding attire. This doll costs $159; it's a limited edition royal wedding collectible that will ship fall 2011.

William and Kate Royal Engagement Commemorative Photo

Danburymint.com also offers another royal wedding collectible: the "William and Kate Royal Engagement Commemorative Photo." This framed photo celebrating the royal engagement of Prince William and Kate (Catherine) Middleton features a large photograph of the royal couple, surrounded by two medallions and smaller photographs of Princess Diana, Prince Charles, Queen Elizabeth, and William and Kate. Princess Diana's sapphire and diamond engagement ring, given to Kate Middleton by Prince William, features prominently in this collectible: the ring is shown in close-up, on Princess Diana's hand and also on Kate's hand. The "William and Kate Royal Engagement Commemorative Photo" can be purchased for $129.

William and Kate: Official Royal Wedding Souvenir China

Balmoralcastle.com is the destination for a nice selection of royal collectibles, including the "Official Royal Wedding Souvenir China." Balmoral Castle's online gift shop sells this handsome looking china that is an official William and Kate royal wedding keepsake. There are three pieces of china in the Official Royal Wedding Collection: The Official Royal Wedding Commemorative Pillbox ($40); the Official Royal Wedding Commemorative Tankard ($56); and the Official Royal Wedding Commemorative Plate ($64). All items in the royal wedding collection created to celebrate William and Kate's nuptials are gilded in 22 carat gold and feature a design with the royal couple's entwined initials, Prince William's coronet and the date of the momentous occasion.

William and Kate: Engagement Ring Replica

Bradfordexchange.com is offering "Kate Middleton's Engagement Ring Replica: Royal Inspiration." Followers of William and Kate's romance know her engagement ring has a special meaning: Prince William gave Kate Middleton the exact engagement ring given to Princess Diana thirty years ago. The beauty of this imitation sapphire and diamond ring, the enduring mystique surrounding Princess Diana, and the love story of William and Kate make this engagement ring replica a very special royal wedding collectible. Bradford Exchange has crafted their engagement ring replica from sterling silver and faux gems (simulated sapphire surrounded by fourteen simulated diamonds); it costs $99 and comes in a custom presentation case with a certificate of authenticity.

Free Royal Wedding Paper Dolls: William and Kate

Activityvillage.co.uk has some free royal wedding paper dolls depicting Kate Middleton and Prince William. These cute paper dolls will appeal to all ages and feature William and Kate in casual attire, a wedding outfit for Prince William and a choice of three different wedding gowns for Kate Middleton, complete with veils and bridal bouquets. Activity Village offers a color version of royal wedding paper dolls as well as a black and white version that can be used as William and Kate coloring pages.

Royal wedding collectibles are a great way to commemorate the upcoming nuptials of Prince William and Miss Catherine (Kate) Middleton. Don't miss the William and Kate royal wedding on April 29, 2011!

Sources:

http://www.danburymint.com/collectibles/prod/6AE/Princess-Kate-Bride-Doll_9847-0016.aspx

http://www.danburymint.com/collectibles/prod/81F/Royal-Engagement-Commemorative-Photo_9803-0018.aspx?tag=GS&c=4

http://www.balmoralcastle.com/acatalog/Royal_Wedding_Collection.html

http://www.bradfordexchange.com/products/108433001_replica-kate-middleton-engagement-ring.html

http://www.activityvillage.co.uk/royal_wedding_paper_dolls.htm