Royal baby watchers within the preschool industry will be pleased to hear that the latest addition to the royal family is expected to arrive around the end of April or early May.
Meghan Markle let slip the due date of her first baby with husband Prince Harry during a visit to Birkenhead in Wirral, Merseyside on Monday 14 January.
The royal baby effect has been noted throughout the preschool market for some time, with clothes and products chosen for the new arrivals often selling out extremely quickly. It is estimated that each royal baby gives a boost to the UK economy of at least £50million in their first year of life alone.
The royal endorsement of a brand gives a significant marketing boost for brands, with baby clothes, prams and other infant accessories all set to benefit from the exposure given to the royal baby. Prince George and Princess Charlotte have already generated strong sales for labels such as Crocs, Rachel Riley, Little Alice London, JoJo Maman Bébé and the department store John Lewis.
The most recent example of this was when Prince Louis made a rare appearance in an official portrait released to celebrate his grandfather Prince Charles’ 70th birthday and his outfit promptly sold out.
“It sold out immediately – it’s amazing the effect it has on a small brand like us!” sais Celia Munoz, founder of the Spanish clothing brand La Coqueta. “It was a total surprise but really wonderful, and I am very proud.”