Carole Middleton's dramatic wedding film contains a warning

The Princess of Wales' parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, ran their business Party Pieces for 36 years before selling it in 2023.

What started as a children's party decorations store in 1987 has evolved into a one-stop shop for all celebrations, from Valentine's Day to weddings. Speaking of weddings, the company recently debuted one of its boldest wedding features yet on Instagram – and it came with a warning.

“Create a bold pop of color for wedding photos with this pink smoke cannon! This smoke cannon creates a billowing cloud of deep pink color that creates an incredible backdrop for wedding snaps!

“Be careful not to light a fire indoors though! It's for outdoor use only!” read the caption. The photo shows a couple posing for photos in a lush green setting surrounded by dramatic smoke.

While Party Pieces was sold to entrepreneur James Sinclair in 2023, the smoke cannons were also available to buy when the Middletons took over. They cost a reasonable £5.99 and came in pink, blue and white, so they could match any colour scheme.

Carole's Shop

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The founder spoke openly about founding her company and involving her entire family.

Speaking to Good Housekeeping about the origins of Party Pieces, Carole said: “In 1987, I had two young children and was pregnant with my son, James. We had returned to the UK from abroad and I was a full-time mum. I didn't want to miss out on watching my children grow up, so I thought about starting my own business.

“Party Pieces was born out of my personal needs for my own children's parties. It took a long time to find suitable party supplies. I found suppliers and put up notices at my daughters' playgroup saying 'Are you planning a party?' and started receiving orders.”

She said they took a risk when Mike quit his job to go into business, but it was worth it and they were able to add their three children, Kate, Pippa and James, to the family.

“James was picked up – very rarely by someone else – and then came back to the office where he was with me. I was often finished by 6pm and didn't have a long train ride. I find it really good to work.

“It was part of the children's lives – and still is – and they came and helped. They did a lot of modelling. Catherine was on the cover of one of the catalogues and blew out candles. Later she did styling and set up the company's first birthday section. Pippa did the blog. I still value her ideas and opinions,” she explained.

Weddings for children

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Although party pieces were a big part of their lives, Kate, Pippa and James decided to leave the decorations on their wedding day to someone else.

The Princess of Wales married Prince William in April 2011 at Westminster Abbey, followed by Pippa Middleton and James Matthews in May 2017 at St. Mark's Church, Englefield.

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Carole admitted that she was very involved in her daughter's weddings. “We talked about music… everything. I was very involved in both Pip's and Catherine's weddings,” the Party Pieces founder began in an interview with The Telegraph.

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Her only advice for other mothers of the bride was, “Don't interfere with the guest list.” She said, “But I think the most important thing as a parent is to listen to your daughter's wishes. You can have all the ideas in the world, but it has to be about her. And don't interfere with the guest list.”

Meanwhile, her youngest child James married Alizee Thevenet in Bormes-les-Mimosas, France in 2021 and her daughter-in-law decided to recycle Carole's wedding dress.

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