Party Pieces to break America! Kate Middleton's mum launches family business in the US

19 October 2022, 11:49 | Updated: 4 November 2022, 10:14

Kate Middleton's mother's business has launched in the US
Kate Middleton's mother's business has launched in the US. Picture: Instagram/Alamy

By Daisy Stephens

Kate Middleton's mother has launched her party shop business in the US more than 30 years after she set it up.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

Carole Middleton started Party Pieces - a store selling paraphernalia for children's parties - in 1987, after she struggled for inspiration for Kate's fifth birthday party.

Her aim was to give working parents a good, imaginative choice of themed parties for their children.

Read more: Meghan's former Deal or No Deal co-star shuts down claim she was 'treated like a bimbo' in show

Read more: James Bond star Daniel Craig receives same honour as his iconic 007 character

The Berkshire-based firm employs 40 people and sends out around 4,000 orders a week of products such as plates, napkins, hats, balloons, decorations and treat stands.

Now the 67-year-old is going international, selling her products in the states for the first time.

Kate with her mother and sister, Pippa, in 2011
Kate with her mother and sister, Pippa, in 2011. Picture: Alamy

Photos posted to the company's Instagram account show Ms Middleton visiting shops in the US, viewing her range and chatting to customers.

The products were featured alongside large posters of herself.

Ms Middleton said it was "very exciting" to see her range there and praised the "great teamwork" that made the launch possible.

Read more: Meghan and Harry's 'fly-on-the-wall' Netflix documentary 'delayed because of backlash over The Crown'

Read more: Child abuse allegations against Queen's cousin Lord Mountbatten to be heard in Belfast court

"It’s very exciting to see our Party Pieces Collection expanding into the U.S. starting with Saker ShopRites, a leading retailer in New Jersey and family-owned business with a long history of commitment to the customers and communities its stores serve," she said.

"This is the culmination of great teamwork, and we’re happy to partner with Saker ShopRites for our initial launch."

President and CEO of Saker ShopRites Richard Saker said the company was "thrilled" to be the brand's first US retail partner.

"We know our customers are coming together again to mark special occasions in their lives and they want to make their parties spectacular," said Mr Saker.

"We’re sure our customers will enjoy celebrating memorable milestones and moments with these fantastic new lines from Party Pieces."

Read more: Ghislaine Maxwell describes Prince Andrew as a 'dear friend' in interview from prison

Kate was one of three children born to Carole and British businessman Michael Middleton.

The Duchess of Sussex is their eldest child, and she grew up in Berkshire where the business was launched.

She has two younger siblings, Pippa and James.

All three of them have worked for Party Pieces at some point, with Kate having helped with the first birthday and baby category.