Royal love story turns into cash

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01:27

No matter what the tabloids say, some business sectors are embracing Saturday's high-profile royal wedding and looking to cash in, including fashion designers, florists, caterers and jewelers.

Britain's Prince Harry will marry his American fiancée Meghan Markle at Windsor Castle on Saturday. That royal wedding is expected to generate more than one billion pounds (about 1.4 billion US dollars) in economic activity. That includes 300 million pounds (around 405 million US dollars) in tourism, particularly from Americans eager to be part of the occasion.

A report from the British brand evaluation company Brand Finance shows that the glamorous royal bride-to-be alone will generate an estimated 150 million pounds (202 million US dollars) into the British economy as consumers try to mimic her style.

Marks & Spencer store is seen with its name changed to 'Markle & Sparkle' ahead of the Royal wedding in Windsor, England, May 17, 2018. /VCG Photo

And it's already happening, as Meghan Markle's fashion choices are easily spotted, spread and scrutinized on social media.

The founder of American fashion website whatkatewore.com says Markle could be a bigger economic driver compared with other royal brides, since she often exposes smaller artisanal brands to the public by wearing or using them. That includes handbags from designer Charlotte Elizabeth and jeans from Hiut Denim, an apparel company in Wales.

More importantly, Markle's background as an American actress has made her more influential in terms of fashion trends. And her new role also helps boost fashion consumption back in the US, where some people associate her outfits with a princess in a fairy tale.