The royal family maintains a specific group of primary brands with whom they collaborate consistently, offering premium products for their personal use and homes. Regrettably, on Monday, it was announced that the founder of one of their preferred brands has passed away. Mr. Henry Edward George Hurt, the proprietor of G.H. Hurt & Son, known for crafting baby blankets for the royal family over numerous decades, passed away on the 2nd of August.
On Monday, the Instagram page of the brand posted a message that conveyed: “The late Mr. Henry Edward George Hurt, MBE. Henry Hurt peacefully passed away on Wednesday, 2nd August, with his beloved family by his side. His multifaceted greatness is truly remarkable.
“Although an MBE was bestowed upon him for his contributions to the knitting industry in Nottinghamshire, it merely scratches the surface of his life story. He was a prominent figure in the realm of Knitted Lace for numerous decades and adeptly guided G.H. Hurt & Son for more than half a century.
“A man of magnanimity, esteemed by many, Henry was not only an enthusiast of sports, a dedicated supporter of Nottingham Forest, and a skilled artist, but also a hand-frame knitter, a skilled mechanic, a visionary, a considerate employer, a community leader, a husband, a father, and a grandfather. His absence will be profoundly felt by us all.”
The brand situated in Nottingham elaborates on its website: “The fusion of our distinctive designs and unwavering commitment to superior quality has rendered our women’s scarves and baby shawls cherished by both royalty and notable personalities.”
For seven decades, the royal family has maintained their allegiance to G.H. Hurt & Sons. This steadfast partnership began when the Queen proudly displayed her firstborn, King Charles, swathed in a shawl from the brand. Prince Harry himself was introduced to the world while swaddled in a blanket from this time-honored label. Similarly, his brother Prince William and Princess Kate chose G.H. Hurt & Son blankets to showcase each of their three children – Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle also followed this tradition, adorning their son Prince Archie in a cashmere hat and a matching ivory blanket from the same brand. This choice was made evident when they introduced him to the world merely two days after his birth.
As well as loyalty to the blanket brand, there are other unique royal baby traditions…
One of the most traditional highlights of a royal baby’s birth is the announcement by a town crier and the news displayed on a special easel outside Buckingham Palace.
There are also gun salutes for a new royal across the UK and at the Tower of London, and either Hyde Park or Green Park.
