Royal Baby: George Gives UK Business Boost

The Royal birth has already helped sales for some retailers, with predictions that Prince George could add ￡250m to the economy.

For those intending to keep up with the Cambridges, the time at finally come to see what they need. Fashion first in Kate’s dress. It created such a stir that the designers’ website crashed before it emerged this Jenny Packham was one-off and not for sale. Then there is the merino woolen shawl wrapping the royal new born, 45 pounds a pop and in huge demands. Or what about the car seat? Just 100 pounds. But hurry, sales of the Britax baby safe seats have trebled at Kiddicare stores.

“Well, I think it’s a huge aspiration, isn’t it? Public figure, clearly parents look at what’s the latest product, who’s the latest celebrity. And I think on the back of that, you know, the seat by default becomes aspirational.”

It’s predicted the royal arrival could end up with boosting the UK’s economy by a quarter of billion pounds. But it isn’t making any difference to the spending habits of people here in Kin’s parade in Cambridge.

“We had a bottle of champagne. It’s an evening with friends, so we celebrated it.”

“I won’t buy anything more. Maybe a few celebration and drinks on weekend.”

“I’m interested in the royal family, in the baby and everything. But it’s just more stuff to fill our house that we need.”

The new parent has chosen charities like East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices are also benefiting from the royal feel-good factor.

“The donations are coming in from the UK, but overseas as well. We had all kind of generous offers from an ornate handmade cradle from Poland. We’ve had children’s bedroom furniture from Slovenia.”

Just like his father, Prince George of Cambridge will grow up in the media glare. And every baby grow he’s seen driveling on or soft toy he cuddles is sure to become a best-seller.

Emma Blrchley, Sky News, Cambridge.