SOUTH Australian Merino breeder Tom Ashby thinks Prince William and his bride-to-be Kate Middleton could be the wool industry’s new ally on its road to recovery.
Prince William’s father Prince Charles is the patron of the British-inspired Campaign For Wool, that has had $1 million in funding from Australian Wool Innovation and was to be expanded around the world.
At AWI’s annual general meeting last week Mr Ashby issued a friendly challenge to the body’s marketing team that could have royal consequences for wool.
“With the worldwide media frenzy over Prince William and his engagement (to Kate Middleton) it could be very good if we could capture that and get Prince William involved in this HRH campaign (Campaign For Wool)," Mr Ashby said.
“Maybe it might be as simple as donating the fibre for his wedding suit.
“I think somehow his involvement would also bring in a new audience to our wool industry."
AWI chief executive Stuart McCullough said that AWI had “always hoped that as part of having the Prince of Wales that we might have a fringe benefit with the young blokes”.
“Particularly the really young one (Prince Harry) who is audacious, you might say.”
Mr McCullough said he was sure AWI’s marketing manager Rob Langtry had put some thought into the idea.
“I think he (Prince William) will be busy in the next 12 months that’s for sure, but we may have an opportunity to get a gift there somehow.”
Mr Ashby said after the annual meeting, Prince William’s involvement in the Campaign For Wool, perhaps in the form of a royal family endorsement, would give the Campaign For Wool “extra punch across the world”.
Talks between Prince Charles and representatives of British wool growers and AWI are believed to have included discussions about the impending marriage.
