Commemorative Condoms Rolled Out for Prince William and Kate Middleton's Wedding

LONDON -- When Prince William and Kate Middleton finally say "I do" on April 29, millions of watchers gathered at street parties across the U.K. will erupt in cheer. But a London-based condom firm is calling on romantically minded Brits to avoid these public festivities and instead celebrate at home with a pack of its royal-wedding-themed rubbers.

The appropriately named Crown Jewels -- which describes itself as "the proud purveyor of an exclusive range of heritage love sheaths" -- introduced its "king" of condoms last week. The company already has sold more than 1,000 packets, reports British newspaper the Metro, thanks to its saucy, snarky marketing material.

When Prince William and Kate Middleton finally say 'I do' on April 29, millions of royal fans gathered at street parties across the U.K. will erupt in cheer. But a London-based condom firm is calling on romantically minded Brits to avoid these public festivities, and instead celebrate at home with a pack of its royal wedding-themed rubbers. The appropriately named Crown Jewels -- which describes itself as 'the proud purveyor of an exclusive range of heritage love sheaths' -- introduced its 'king' of condoms last week. (crownjewelscondoms.com).

crownjewelscondoms.com

London-based firm Crown Jewels introduced its "king" of condoms last week and reportedly has sold more than 1,000 packets already.

The firm's website claims that its condoms combine "the strength of a Prince with the yielding sensitivity of a Princess-to-be," and adds that buyers should "lie back and think of England." However, couples are warned that the prophylactics won't prevent the birth of a little prince or princess in nine months' time. According to small print on the site, the condoms are "novelty" products that "may not be suitable as a contraceptive or barrier against sexually."

Despite those fundamental flaws, people are still snapping up the $8 condoms because they capture a unique moment in British history, company spokesman Hugh Pomfret told the Metro.

Sponsored Links

"Our prophylactics are designed as an heirloom product," he said. "We would encourage people to keep hold of them as a memento of a special national occasion."

But Pomfret added that as long as customers are aware of the rubbers' limitations, they are "welcome" to use them in lovemaking and "enjoy the supple latex and gliding lubrication of our products."

Ingrid Seward, the editor of Majesty magazine, said such base suggestions were an insult to the British monarchy.

"This is completely tasteless and really rather hurtful," she told The Sun. "Prince William has a great sense of humor, but this is a step too far. This is a cheap swipe to make money."