A Red Letter Day to Celebrate
Today is a red letter day to celebrate for many reasons. Firstly, Catherine, the Princess of Wales has announced that her chemotherapy treatment is at an end after nine months, following abdominal surgery. Whilst her journey to healing continues on, this is a major milestone for her.
And thinking of milestones, it is Merrythought Bears’ 94th birthday. They are the last large scale manufacturer of soft toys in the United Kingdom. Britain only began manufacturing bears after hostilities broke out between them and Germany in 1914 at the outbreak of the Great War, as Germany was the main manufacturer of teddy bears in the world. Merrythought, who commenced operations on the 10th of September 1930 still hand craft the bears made in their original Shropshire factory.
Finally, I missed it by a few days, but the 9th of September marks National Teddy Bear Day: a day to honour the comfort and memories associated with teddy bears. The teddy bear is one of the most popular toys for children, and holds a special place in many adults hearts, too. This lovable stuffed animal has a day all of its own, National Teddy Bear Day. It gives a chance for people to get teddy out of the cupboard and make them the centre of attention. Of course if that is the case in my house it is National Teddy Bear Day, every day, so maybe it doesn’t matter that I am a few days late.
To celebrate these three wonderful things, I am proudly sharing with you for the first time, two very special limited edition bears that I acquired from Merrythought earlier in the year. May I present their Royal Highnesses, the Prince and Princess of Wales!
Beautifully hand-crafted by Merrythought, His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales Teddy Bear has been carefully brought to life by their highly skilled team using the finest sandy-gold mohair plush and soft cotton velvet. His left paw has been embroidered with a golden crown design, whilst the handsome and noble persona of His Royal Highness is subtly captured by the bear’s deep blue eyes and hand-stitched smile. The detailed outfit is inspired by His Royal Highness’s official uniform as Colonel of the Welsh Guards, which he wears during ceremonial duties, and features a fully-lined scarlet tunic coat, with gold and white embroidered detailing, stud buttons and royal blue sash. A beautiful gold-plated, enamelled replica Order of the Garter Badge adorns the left breast of his tunic coat, whilst his outfit is completed with a gold-striped belt tied neatly around the waist. To finalise his stately attire, The Prince of Wales wears a replica wool felt Welsh Guard cap, embroidered in gold with the regiment's leek motif.
Honouring Her Royal Highness’s important role within the British Royal Family, and recognising her timeless beauty, the Merrythought team have hand-crafted Her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales Teddy Bear from the finest soft-brown mohair and pure cotton velvet paws, upon which is embroidered a golden royal crown. She features deep brown eyes and a friendly hand-stitched smile, encapsulating Catherine’s kind nature, for which she is respected for around the world. Her Highness’ delicately designed outfit comprises a replica of a favourite cream coat and wide-brimmed hat that she has worn during several important occasions. Her sinamay hat features organza flower detail, whilst her fully-lined coat is adorned with a stunning gold-plated replica of the Three Feathers Brooch. The brooch itself has great significance, since it was originally gifted to Queen Alexandra in 1863 upon her marriage to the future King Edward VII when he was still the Prince of Wales. Featuring the iconic Prince of Wales's Feathers, the brooch has been passed down to each generation of the Royal Family and was regularly worn by Catherine’s late mother in law, Diana, the former Princess of Wales.
The Prince and Princess of Wales are part of a 2024 limited edition release worldwide, and are both number 16.
A Red Letter Day to Celebrate
Today is a red letter day to celebrate for many reasons. Firstly, Catherine, the Princess of Wales has announced that her chemotherapy treatment is at an end after nine months, following abdominal surgery. Whilst her journey to healing continues on, this is a major milestone for her.
And thinking of milestones, it is Merrythought Bears’ 94th birthday. They are the last large scale manufacturer of soft toys in the United Kingdom. Britain only began manufacturing bears after hostilities broke out between them and Germany in 1914 at the outbreak of the Great War, as Germany was the main manufacturer of teddy bears in the world. Merrythought, who commenced operations on the 10th of September 1930 still hand craft the bears made in their original Shropshire factory.
Finally, I missed it by a few days, but the 9th of September marks National Teddy Bear Day: a day to honour the comfort and memories associated with teddy bears. The teddy bear is one of the most popular toys for children, and holds a special place in many adults hearts, too. This lovable stuffed animal has a day all of its own, National Teddy Bear Day. It gives a chance for people to get teddy out of the cupboard and make them the centre of attention. Of course if that is the case in my house it is National Teddy Bear Day, every day, so maybe it doesn’t matter that I am a few days late.
To celebrate these three wonderful things, I am proudly sharing with you for the first time, two very special limited edition bears that I acquired from Merrythought earlier in the year. May I present their Royal Highnesses, the Prince and Princess of Wales!
Beautifully hand-crafted by Merrythought, His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales Teddy Bear has been carefully brought to life by their highly skilled team using the finest sandy-gold mohair plush and soft cotton velvet. His left paw has been embroidered with a golden crown design, whilst the handsome and noble persona of His Royal Highness is subtly captured by the bear’s deep blue eyes and hand-stitched smile. The detailed outfit is inspired by His Royal Highness’s official uniform as Colonel of the Welsh Guards, which he wears during ceremonial duties, and features a fully-lined scarlet tunic coat, with gold and white embroidered detailing, stud buttons and royal blue sash. A beautiful gold-plated, enamelled replica Order of the Garter Badge adorns the left breast of his tunic coat, whilst his outfit is completed with a gold-striped belt tied neatly around the waist. To finalise his stately attire, The Prince of Wales wears a replica wool felt Welsh Guard cap, embroidered in gold with the regiment's leek motif.
Honouring Her Royal Highness’s important role within the British Royal Family, and recognising her timeless beauty, the Merrythought team have hand-crafted Her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales Teddy Bear from the finest soft-brown mohair and pure cotton velvet paws, upon which is embroidered a golden royal crown. She features deep brown eyes and a friendly hand-stitched smile, encapsulating Catherine’s kind nature, for which she is respected for around the world. Her Highness’ delicately designed outfit comprises a replica of a favourite cream coat and wide-brimmed hat that she has worn during several important occasions. Her sinamay hat features organza flower detail, whilst her fully-lined coat is adorned with a stunning gold-plated replica of the Three Feathers Brooch. The brooch itself has great significance, since it was originally gifted to Queen Alexandra in 1863 upon her marriage to the future King Edward VII when he was still the Prince of Wales. Featuring the iconic Prince of Wales's Feathers, the brooch has been passed down to each generation of the Royal Family and was regularly worn by Catherine’s late mother in law, Diana, the former Princess of Wales.
The Prince and Princess of Wales are part of a 2024 limited edition release worldwide, and are both number 16.