Party Pieces, owned by the parents of the Princess of Wales, is sold after falling into administration

The party supplies company owned by the Princess of Wales’s parents has been sold after falling into administration.

Party Pieces Holdings, which was set up by Carole and Michael Middleton in 1987, had fallen into administration after being “impacted significantly” by the Covid pandemic.

The Ashampstead Common-based business has been sold to entrepreneur James Sinclair in an administration deal.

Insolvency specialists from Interpath Advisory were hired yesterday (Thursday) after the Middletons looked at ways to save their company.

Mr Sinclair, who owns the Teddy Tastic Bear company, has purchased the business and its assets.

Will Wright, head of restructuring at Interpath and joint administrator, said: “Party Pieces is a well-established brand with a proud British heritage, but, like many other companies across the retail space, had been impacted profoundly by the effects of the pandemic and the ensuing restrictions on social gatherings.”

Kate and sister Pippa, who grew up in Bucklebury, had both worked for the family company at various points.