Royal Split Gives Some a Royal Flush

LONDON — The separation of Prince Charles and Princess Diana saddened millions of Britons but left some merchants hoping to sell coffee cups, postcards and T-shirts showing the couple in happier times.

Troubles for the royals, with the attendant publicity, can mean brisk sales for curios found within easy walking distance of major tourist haunts.

“When it was Fergie and Andrew, we had only been selling a few of their things, and then they started selling,” said Teri Carvalho at Churchill Gifts on Oxford Street. Queen Elizabeth II’s second son, Prince Andrew, and his wife, the former Sarah Ferguson, separated in the spring.

The tourism industry is perhaps the greatest beneficiary of the public’s fascination with royalty. Britain’s castles and royal palaces are a big drawing card.