THE Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund is to raise extra millions with a
licensing deal in America.
Agreement with Bradford Exchange, a Chicago-based collectables producer,
will ensure that royalties are paid to the fund to continue the Princess's charity
work. It also provides that products - collectable plates, ornaments, dolls and
porcelain music boxes - must be approved by the fund and the late Princess's
estate.
Andrew Purkis, fund chief executive, said: "This is a very good day for
humanitarian work to help the world's most disadvantaged people change
their lives. This substantial partnership will enable many more people, by
buying these approved products, to continue the remarkable work of Diana,
Princess of Wales."
All products approved will be branded with the fund's distinctive Diana
signature logo and the estate's hallmark: a capital D with the Spencer family
coronet. The fund has already pledged £28 million in grants in Britain and
internationally intends to commit £35 million by the end of the year.
Royalties from Bradford Exchange products will fund grants in countries
devastated by landmines and armed conflict. Recently the fund appealed
against a court judgment in California which supported Franklin Mint's right to
market "unauthorised" Diana collectables.
It has, however, benefited from commercial licensing deals with Jackson and
Perkins (the Diana rose), Spring Hill (the Diana dahlia), and Ty Inc (the
Princess Beanie Baby and Beanie Buddy).