Carol Middleton, renowned as the mother of the Princess of Wales, has embarked on a new venture by launching her party supplies company in the United States.
Utilizing a unique marketing strategy involving a cardboard cutout of herself, Carol aims to promote the relocation of her successful business.
Back in 1987, while brainstorming ideas for her daughter Kate Middleton’s fifth birthday celebration, Carol laid the foundation for Party Pieces.
Recognizing a niche in the market, she established a business that caters to busy parents seeking hassle-free yet creative party solutions for their children.
The Party Pieces collection, which includes a range of products such as plates, napkins, cups, caps, balloons, treat stands, and decorations, has become a popular choice among consumers.
Headquartered at Child’s Court Farm in Ytendon, Berkshire, the company currently processes approximately 4,000 orders per week and employs a workforce of 40 individuals.
Notably, Kate Middleton actively participated in shaping the first birthday and infant categories, with all three of her children contributing to the business at various points.
Reflecting on the early days, Carol mentioned the family’s hands-on approach, stating that they initially had to handle all tasks themselves, with occasional assistance from the kids in activities like order processing and packaging.
In an exciting development, the Party Pieces collection is now available for purchase in the United States.
Carol, who is 67 years old, personally visited numerous retail outlets to inspect the display of her products alongside life-sized cardboard cutouts.
This expansion marks a significant milestone for the brand, as it signifies the commencement of broader growth initiatives in the American market.
Notably, this move comes on the heels of the Party Pieces collection achieving remarkable success in the British e-commerce sector and emerging as a top-selling line, despite facing a financial setback last year.
Despite incurring a loss of £285,506 in 2021, resulting in a net deficit of £1.35 million, Party Pieces remains committed to its expansion plans, with a focus on penetrating the US market.
The company has secured a partnership with 39 Saker ShopRites locations across the US to distribute its products.
Carol expressed her enthusiasm regarding this collaboration, emphasizing the significance of Saker ShopRites as a reputable retailer known for its customer-centric approach and deep-rooted commitment to communities.
Richard Saker, the president and CEO of Saker ShopRites, echoed Carol’s sentiments, highlighting the mutual benefits of partnering with a prestigious British heritage brand like Party Pieces.
Amidst these developments, concerns have been raised regarding an upcoming state visit to South Africa by Queen Camilla, following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.
With King Charles set to undertake his first royal trip post-ascension, there have been calls for Queen Camilla to refrain from wearing the Cullinan diamond during the visit.
President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, accompanied by Dr. Tshepo Motsep, is scheduled to visit the United Kingdom between November 22 and November 24, where they will be hosted by the King and Queen Consort at Buckingham Palace.
The request for Queen Camilla to avoid wearing the Cullinan diamond stems from fears that its historical significance may evoke painful memories of colonialism.
Zwolinsa Mavavi, a prominent trade unionist in South Africa, emphasized that the diamond, mined in South Africa in 1905 and gifted to King Edward VII, symbolizes a dark chapter in the country’s past.
The largest rough-cut diamond ever discovered, the Cullinan diamond’s association with colonial exploitation and the mining industry of that era makes its display a sensitive issue, particularly for South Africans who endured the repercussions of historical injustices.
Expressing strong sentiments against the potential showcasing of the diamond during the state visit, Mr. Mavavi cautioned that such an act would be deeply disrespectful and akin to glorifying a painful legacy of exploitation and oppression.
As discussions surrounding the symbolic significance of the Cullinan diamond continue, the royal visit to South Africa remains shrouded in controversy, with calls for sensitivity and acknowledgment of historical wounds.