EXTREMELY RARE! Handmade William the Teddy Bear, by the Great British Bear Company, Limited to an edition of 5,000

We cannot find another one up for purchase and this one has been kept in a bag since bought and brought back from England. Since Prince William’s engagement to Catherine Middleton was announced, fifth-generation Royal Commemoratives specialist Stephen Church has enjoyed the near-constant introduction of new items to commemorate the April 29 wedding. Last week, he presented the new William the Teddy Bear by the Great British Bear Company to his customers, and orders have been coming in ever since. Church is managing director of Church’s China, the longest operating Royal Commemoratives retailer in the U.K., and its online sales division, The U.K. Gift Company. He says, “I love to see the reaction of our most enthusiastic Royal Wedding fanatics when a new item is introduced. As soon as I took the first ‘William’ out of his box, I knew the bears would be a sought-after item. As limited editions, they are great collector’s items. These cute and cuddly bears also make excellent gifts because they come with an enchanting surprise.” Each handmade plush bear, limited to an edition of 5,000, comes with a replica of Kate Middleton’s engagement ring that is a full one and three-quarter inches in diameter. William the Teddy Bear stands over 12 inches tall and comes dressed in full “Royal Bear Force” regalia. The bear’s peaked cap is decorated with golden die cast Royal Bear Force wings and is made from authentic Air Force blue fabric. His jacket’s brass buttons and press-pleated pockets make the uniform look just like the real thing. Double black and silver arm bands signify William’s rank of Flight Lieutenant. Across the bear’s chest is a Royal blue sash decorated with silver wings. The wings rest just above the Silver Star pinned to William’s jacket, an honour reserved for serving Royalty. According to the Great British Bear Company, it takes nearly 12 hours to make each “William” uniform, and it is the most detailed and authentic costume the company has ever made. The replica ring is presented on the bear’s lap in a red leather box embossed inside and out in gold with the words “H.R.H Prince William & Catherine Middleton to be married on Friday 29th April 2011.” The ring itself, plated in white gold, is set with 16 white zircon stones surrounding an oval-cut blue zircon. The inside of the ring is engraved with the words “H.R.H Prince William & Catherine Middleton.”