Prince William and Kate Middleton get royal treatment in collectibles

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The biographical comic "Fame: The Royals" profiles the lives and relationship of Prince William and Kate Middleton and previews their April wedding.

Updated: January 27, 2011 7:12PM

England will soon have a new princess — and the world a new icon.

The 1980 royal wedding of Prince Charles to Diana Spencer ignited a collectible frenzy. With the recent announcement of Prince William’s engagement to long-time girlfriend Kate Middleton, the collectibles market is in high gear.

Darren Davis, president of Bluewater Productions, which has found a niche producing biographical comic books, will release two graphic books on England’s newest royal couple: Fame: The Royals, which chronicles William’s life, including his eight-year relationship with Middleton and a look at the planning of what is being referred to as “the wedding of the century” on April 29. The book ($3.99) is due out in April. A special 40-page collector’s edition flip-book ($7.99), featuring William on the front cover and Kate on the back with more details on Kate’s life and the upcoming wedding, is due out in May. Both books can be pre-ordered at Barnes and Noble and online at amazon.com.

How does the new princess-to-be compare to the late Princess Diana ?

“There is no comparison,” said Davis, a huge Princess Diana fan who released a graphic novel of Diana in 2010.

“For millions, the fascination with Diana started with the fairy-tale wedding and carried through her iconic life,” Davis said. “Collectors are still Diana fanatics. [However], the younger couple has opted for a less opulent and almost common exchange of vows, which takes away from the fantasy the fueled the Diana frenzy.”

The Bradford Exchange is offering three items for pre-order, including the “Royal Engagement Collector Plate” featuring the couple arm in arm. Kate is wearing the now-famous blue dress in the couple’s official engagement photo ($39.99). Bradford’s first offering in the “Kate Middleton, The Future Princess Figurine Collection” also sees Kate in the blue dress and with her engagement ring visible ($29.99). There also is “Kate Middleton’s Engagement Ring Replica: Royal Inspiration,” a replica ($99) of Diana’s engagement ring that William gave to Kate. The replica ring is made of solid sterling silver and features a large simulated sapphire encircled by 14 simulated diamonds. It comes with a gift box.

To view or order, visit the website bradfordexchange.com.