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Ethical Shopping

Support our artists with The Big Issue's royal wedding shop collection

The artists will receive at least half of the proceeds

It’s almost time. All the speculation about who made the guest list, what she’ll be wearing, what he’ll be wearing – it all ends on Saturday when Prince Harry and Meghan Markle tie the knot in Windsor.

And The Big Issue Shop has got just the thing to get that street party into full swing with the exclusive Royal Wedding Collection.

Offering a fresh perspective on the regal festivities, we tasked contributors to our Street Art pages who have experiences of homelessness to provide their own arty tribute to the happy couple.

Say ‘I was there’ with two souvenir magazine covers to collect – former army chef John Tovey, who has already had a brush with the royals when he cooked for the Queen, has designed a tabard-toting portrayal of the pair for England and Wales.

Geraldine Crimmins royal wedding
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Geraldine Crimmins' portrait is available in The Big Issue Shop

North of the border, partially sighted former vendor-turned-artist Jo Adamson offers a colourful different view with her own abstract drawing.

And if they don’t tickle your fancy then perhaps the realistic portrait from Geraldine Crimmins, who lost everything after a breakdown and turned her life around with an art course, will fit the bill. Or maybe John Sheehy’s ‘Great Day’ offering provides the best way to commemorate the event.

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However you want to celebrate our expanding royal family, we’ve got you covered with mugs, t-shirts and tea towels that will add a crowning glory to a proud day for the nation.

John-Sheehy-royal-wedding

And best of all, for every one sold, the artists will receive at least half of the proceeds.

Alongside the best of The Big Issue, the collection also features a special range of celebratory items from non-profit brand For Richer, For Poorer.

Set up in the wake of Windsor council leader Simon Dudley’s call for the removal of homeless people before the wedding, the range harks back to royal wedding memorabilia of days gone by – with a deeper social message.

In addition to a celebratory motif, each souvenir features a bespoke crest by illustrator Alex Machin depicting issues faced by rough sleepers and what’s needed to get them off the streets for good.

For Richer For Poorer royal wedding
For-Richer-For-Pooreer-bunting
Bunting with a difference – For Richer For Poorer's helps put homeless people through job interviews

The proceeds of sales will go towards supporting homeless people in Windsor: from royal wedding staple bunting that helps provide the physical and psychological support required to get someone through a job interview to fridge magnets that will pay for a week of hot meals administered by charity partner the Windsor Homeless Project.

Murphy James, project development manager at the project, said: “Prince Harry and Meghan are both passionately committed to supporting those in need, including the UK’s homeless.

“By celebrating their special day with a hard-hitting message, For Richer, For Poorer really highlights the challenges our homeless communities face on a daily basis. Together we can make a difference to their lives.”

See the collection in The Big Issue Shop here.

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Change a vendor's life this Christmas

This Christmas, 3.8 million people across the UK will be facing extreme poverty. Thousands of those struggling will turn to selling the Big Issue as a vital source of income - they need your support to earn and lift themselves out of poverty.

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