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They have hailed the news as the perfect end to a perfect year for Great Britain…..the news that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are expecting their first baby.
Just when we’d all put our bunting and red white and blue memorabilia away, they’ll be yet another reason to resurrect the now all too familiar patriotic decorations and celebrate all that is team GB. Since the news broke, there has been a deluge of coverage. Only today, there is speculation on whether there are to be royal twins, what they might look like, a comparison of the christening albums of the Middletons versus the Windsors and of course the debate about what style of maternity fashion will be the preferred choice for the Duchess!
Now don’t get me wrong, I’m delighted to be swept up in the Euphoric news of all things royal, but I can’t help being overwhelmed by the lengths by which the media have been able to maximise this story. No stone has been left unturned and every angle has been explored. While you feel they can’t possibly create another story…..you know they will!
It’s also interesting to note the part that the power of social media played in the announcement of the news, showing just how the media landscape is changing. If news reports are to be believed, it was the threat that the news would ‘leak’ via social media channels that promoted the Palace to announce the news of the royal pregnancy some time earlier than usual. Gone are the days when press were invited to assemble for an important announcement.
So, while the media has so far taken pole position in the news stakes, it won’t be long before we can purchase our mandatory tea towel, special edition magazines, mugs, stamps and other royal baby memorabilia. Just as the Diamond Jubilee and London 2012 Olympic Games gave brand owners the opportunity to introduce new patriotic designs and special edition packaging, as well as the commemorative publications and celebratory fayre, the arrival of a new ‘third in line’ to the Windsor dynasty presents a further boost to the creative and communications industries. Good news for those prepared to jump on the bandwagon yet again!