When Prince William and Kate Middleton met ten years ago, they must have known their love story would play out under the public spotlight; but the full reality of how their courtship and subsequent marriage would be commemorated was likely too absurd to be grasped at the time.
It has already inspired its own comic book, a straight to DVD feature film and, like all great romances, a line of cash-grab mementos that might make the royal couple scratch their heads.
Take the souvenir sick bags, which are selling out everywhere from New Zealand to Canada.
Adorned with an image of the happy couple and complete with the slogan "throne up," they are a must-have for both souvenir collectors and those who are afraid that the pomp surrounding the wedding will upset their stomach.
"The sick bags aren't specifically political, or at least weren't made as a dig," creator Lydia Leith told The Associated Press. "I wanted to contribute to the tradition of what I see as a very British humour."
The lucky couple undoubtedly thanks her for her contribution.
From fine china to comic books and condoms, there is no shortage of souvenirs celebrating the April 29 marriage of William and Kate.
Officially, souvenirs went on sale in December, when Prince William approved the commission of a tankard, a plate and a pill box featuring the couple's entwined initials, the prince's coronet emblem and the date of the wedding – April 29, 2011.
But knock-off merchandise has been on sale for much longer. And much of it lacks the regal touch appreciated by the Royal Family.
Among the various and unavoidable unofficial collections of tea towels, post cards and T-shirts are bobbleheads, toilet seat covers and cardboard cutouts.
At least one product is being sold with an eye more on the honeymoon than the wedding day. Crown Jewels Condoms of Distinction have produced a prophylactic homage, begging collectors to "lie back and think of England."
Packaged in a dark purple "heirloom collector's box" bearing a photograph of William and Kate, the three-condom set is promoted as a "triumvirate of regal prophylactics.
"Like a royal wedding, intercourse with a loved one is an unforgettable occasion," reads the slogan.
For those who want to keep their wedding memorabilia a little more proper, England's Royal Mint has commissioned a series of commemorative coins. Each five-pound coin comes with an etching of the couple and range from a cupro-nickel piece retailing for 9.99 pounds to a 22 carat gold coin selling for 1,550 pounds – nearly $2,500 Canadian dollars.
Those who want to commemorate the lucky couple with a feast are not being left out either, with the release of various meals, cakes and drinks.
Consider "Kiss Me Kate" beer, created by a Nottinghamshire brewery to help pubs across the country celebrate the upcoming nuptials. Or the couple's namesake British beef and bacon pie offered by a local pie club.
Even Canadian manufacturers are marking the occasion. Springridge Farms in Milton, Ont., has created a traditional orange marmalade and has appealed for help getting it into the wedding.
"The main ingredient is Canadian well-wishes," says Laura Hughes, owner of Springridge Farm. "It would be our dream to know that Will and Kate loved our marmalade as much as we loved making it."
Speaking of dreams, eBay resellers have launched into the mix with knockoffs of that massive blue sapphire number handed down from Lady Diana to Kate. A number of giant blue cubic zirconium engagement rings are available through online auction, mostly selling for about $20.
One retailer that hasn't jumped into the wedding memorabilia craze is the online party store owned by Middleton's parents. Party Pieces has not added a stitch of royalty-related merchandise, sticking with its regular inventory of decorations, accessories and party games.
The only princess-themed decorations sold through the company are inspired by Disney, although Snow White does hold a passing resemblance to William's beloved.
And while it is unlikely the Queen will allow her grandson's wedding décor to be made up of the Tinkerbell tablecloths and fairy-themed confetti cones available from the online shop, who can say what accessories will appear at Middleton's "Hen Night." Scavenger Hunt Bingo, anyone?
