Royal Fever: The British Monarchy in Consumer Culture

This book attempts to answer the question, why, in contemporary global society, are monarchies still so compelling to millions of people around the globe? It does so by focusing on the worldwide fascination with the British royal family, a monarchy that has existed for more than one thousand years and that has retained its economic and cultural significance in the twenty-first century. The authors explore the myriad ways in which consumer culture and the royal family intersect across historic sites, media products, fashion, commemoratives, royal brands, and touristic experiences. The book uses a case-study approach to examine both producer and consumer perspectives. Some chapters illustrate how those who are responsible for orchestrating experiences related to the British monarchy engage the public through the creation of compelling consumption experiences. Others reveal why people devote their time, effort, and money to royal consumption. Overall, the book highlights the important role the royal family continues to play in many people’s lives and its ongoing contribution to maintaining a sense of Britishness.