Journal & Topics Media Group

Niles Business Works Quick to Design Royal Keepsakes


Master Seamstress Yerman Romero tailoring Prince Harry’s Blues and Royals frockcoat.

When Prince Harry married Meghan Markle last month, a dedicated group of designers in Niles was up before dawn watching intently. By the end of the day, Ashton-Drake Galleries had made two dolls matching the royal couple, ready to take pre-orders through the company’s website.   

Like the rest of the world, Ashton-Drake Galleries designers had no idea what Markle or Prince Harry would be wearing until they arrived in carriages at about 5 a.m. Central Standard Time Saturday, May 19 at Windsor Castle outside London for the wedding.

Dolls of the royal couple, completed by designers of a Niles company who watched last month’s royal wedding.

Doll designers were at their offices in the Bradford Exchange building near Golf Mill at 4 and 5 a.m. the day of the royal wedding, eyes glued to the broadcast.

Upon seeing the first images of the couple, still in their carriage, Wilhelm said designers began working to replicate the royal couple’s outfits in exacting detail. Two dolls were completed, and by the end of the day, pre-orders for the hand-painted and handcrafted dolls began to be accepted. Completed dolls are expected to be delivered by the end of the year.

While Markle’s dress was a relatively simple design, Wilhelm said, “The big surprise was Harry’s uniform.”

The prince’s black, knee length military jacket was unexpectedly adorned with a ruffled accent down the front. Designers envisioned two versions of Harry’s doll, one with a full beard and one clean shaven. The prince kept his trademark whiskers.

Although she would not discuss specific numbers, Ashton-Drake Galleries Senior Marketing Manager Kathy Wilhelm said since the royal nuptials, demand for the individually handcrafted dolls has been “overwhelming.”

Ashton-Drake Galleries is a division of the Bradford Exchange. The company runs offices in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, members of the British Commonwealth, along with Germany and Switzerland. Sales have been the strongest in Commonwealth nations.

Wilhelm said Ashton-Drake Galleries has a long history of creating celebrity and royal dolls. The first royal doll released by the company was of Diana, Princess of Wales, after death in 1997. Other dolls in the collection include the UK’s other recent royal wedding between Prince William and Kate Middleton, former U.S. President Barack and Michelle Obama, former President John F. and Jackie Kennedy, Mother Teresa and other celebrities.

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