How brands crashed the Royal Wedding

KFC launches "Kentucky Fine China"

Prince Harry proposed to Meghan Markle in front of a roasted chicken. Enter KFC, which is not going to let a pesky detail like cooking method stop it from being associated with this most romantic of chicken-related moments. With the help of its ad agency, Iris, the fast-food merchant launched "Kentucky Fine China", a bucket made from fine English bone china. Because, much like Harry and Meghan, the campaign is "a marriage of English tradition and an American favourite". Pass the bucket indeed....

M&S rebrands itself (and a roast chicken sandwich)

We are excited to announce a royal re-brand in honour of the wedding of HRH Prince Harry and Ms Meghan Markle. In celebration of Britain’s most anticipated wedding of the year for the next three days, we become Markle and Sparkle. ✨ pic.twitter.com/1HzfJ60BCN

— M&S (@marksandspencer) May 18, 2018

Marks & Spencer, keen for the brand to cling to Britain's establishment like a tight-fitting pair of undies, temporarily renamed itself "Markle & Sparkle" in honour of Meghan Markle and, erm, Harry "Sparkle" Wales? 

Harry's decision to propose during supper really changed the course of history, didn't it: M&S also temporarily renamed its roast chicken salad sandwich 'The Proposal' in honour of the royal romance. A release from the retailer went on to say that following "some confusion as to whether public guests attending the Royal Wedding will be offered refreshments on the day" (it turns out they will be offered some snacks) – M&S said that anyone presenting their invite in store on Friday or Saturday can receive a free meal deal. How would M&S staff have known what real invites looked like, though?

Tyrrells pushes taste boundaries with 'ginger and sparkle' veg crisps

The posh crisps brand (the kind you buy when you throw a party) launched a parsnip crisp variant  flavoured with "a hint of ginger, sweet honey, and added edible glitter, giving a celebratory feel for the Royal Wedding". Campaign's ad hoc food reviewers offered mixed reports: one found them dangerously moreish, but the use of glitter only served to make the crisps look a bit odd and unappetising. 

Legoland Windsor: honey, I shrunk the royals

Legoland Windsor is just a stone's throw from where the wedding took place at Windsor Castle. To celebrate the nearby nuptials, the resort has created its own miniature Windsor Castle made out of 39,960 Lego bricks. Guaranteed to put a smile on someone's face, even if the little Lego Royal Couple don't appear to have faces themselves. 

SodaStream levels up its fashion game

The fizz-it-yourself brand took its hat off for the royal couple -- and put on another one. The marketing team came up with a range of quirky lids inspired by Buckingham Palace’s finest.

Regal refreshments from Kellogg’s

Caramel, banana and Froot Loops make a majestic combination! Make these fun Majestic Pops for your royal wedding watch party guests! Now at https://t.co/kiKxqOQAkV pic.twitter.com/SMqypwjMhW

— Kellogg's (@KelloggsUS) May 14, 2018

Ever thought about making a caramel, banana and Froot Loops party appetizer? Of course not. Kellogg’s pushed the "Majestic Pops" to be a staple at Royal Wedding shindigs. They look pretty good, to be fair.

"#RoyalLoveDonut" by Dunkin Donuts

 

Fancy up your viewing party�� #RoyalLoveDonut ❤️�� #RoyalWedding

A post shared by dunkindonuts (@dunkindonuts) on May 16, 2018 at 4:00am PDT

Over in the US, royal love cames in the form of these heart-shaped donuts from America’s one and only. The brand teamed up with Arc, Leo Burnett’s shopper marketing arm, for a campaign hooked on royal wedding viewing parties.