London’s iconic Hamley’s toy store released its own royal wedding dolls this week — but despite more than four months in production, the replicas have left shoppers scratching their heads.
The tiny figurines of Prince William and Kate Middleton in all their wedding finery are priced at nearly $160, but appear to bear little resemblance to the actual Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
In pictures: Love is in the heir for William and Kate
With oversized heads, bulging jawlines and Hollywood tans, the dolls would be almost unrecognisable if they weren’t wearing tiny replicas William and Kate’s now-famous wedding clothes.
Indeed, their comical appearance has led many to compare them to the puppets from the 1960s TV show Thunderbirds.
Several toy designers have been working tirelessly since the April 29 nuptials to ensure the dolls are perfect. The Kate doll is wearing a replica of her Sarah Burton for
Alexander McQueen gown, complete with a miniature tiara and posy of flowers, while William is dressed in a tiny copy of his Irish Guards colonel’s uniform.
Related: The craziest royal wedding memorabilia
Arklu, the company that manufactured the dolls has defended them, saying they are meant to be tongue-in-cheek and amusing and not lifelike copies.
“The instantly recognisable and, some might say, delightfully kitsch wedding dolls pay homage to the stunning best-of-British outfits that so impressed the world when HRH Prince William of Wales married Catherine ‘Kate’ Middleton on April 29, 2011,” a spokesperson told the UK’s Daily Mail.
Your say: Would you pay $160 for these royal wedding dolls?
Video: Kate Middleton’s wedding dress goes on display
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