After taking their children to Walt Disney World on an expensive £50, 000 trip in April, the Radford family have once more found themselves on vacation in Florida.
Britain’s biggest family, the Radfords, are back in Florida for another sun-soaked Disney adventure – just months after their last trip.
Sue Radford, 50, and husband Noel, 54, who have 22 children, have shared glimpses of their holiday on Instagram, showing the clan enjoying rollercoasters, parades and Mickey-shaped treats. But their getaway has raised eyebrows, coming hot on the heels of a similar trip earlier this year despite Sue admitting the family were “feeling the pinch.”
Now, a celebrity PR expert says there’s more to the Radfords’ holiday habits than meets the eye. Speaking to The Mirror, publicist Mayah Riaz explained that the Radfords are no longer just a family next door – but a household name with serious earning power.
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A family like the Radfords is a brand in their own right, she said, adding that it is crucial to grasp that they are more than just a household name at this time.
They are dependent on a number of sources of income, according to the company’s long-running TV show, book deals, brand partnerships, paid appearances, and a sizable social media following.
The family’s Channel 5 programme 22 Kids and Counting regularly pulls in viewers, while their YouTube channel boasts hundreds of thousands of subscribers.
They are not your typical household, aside from Instagram partnerships and media appearances.
Riaz points out that such comments don’t always tell the full story despite Sue’s assertions about budgeting and cost increases.
The “feeling the pinch” comments don’t necessarily indicate that they’re struggling, as the typical family might, she said.
“Those kinds of soundbites frequently strike a chord with the public and make them seem relatable,” according to the author. However, every television appearance, documentary agreement, and brand collaboration has the potential to earn tens of thousands of pounds, sometimes more.
And Riaz suggests that behind-the-scenes deals may be in play when it comes to big-ticket vacations like Disney World.
Add to that the frequent collaboration between Disney and famous families and influencers by offering discounted or even free travel as a form of compensation, she explained.
“As part of their brand work, it wouldn’t surprise if at least some of their travel was subventioned or negotiated.”
The Radfords frequently portray themselves as a family who struggles with the same everyday difficulties as everyone else, as do their followers. Riaz contends that their reality is more in line with that of professional influencers.
The Radfords may appear to be a family like everyone else, but in reality they are media personalities with a level of earning power that reflects that, she said.
“That’s what allows them to finance the kind of lifestyle, including holidays,” according to the statement.
Sue and her husband Noel made the most of the school Easter holidays by traveling to Florida with their own children and all of their grandchildren.
Sue, 50, and Noel, 54, are parents to Christopher, 36, Sophie, 31, Chloe, 30, Jack, 28, Daniel, 26, Luke, 24, Millie, 23, Katie, 22, James, 21, Ellie, 20, Aimee, 19, Josh, 18, Max, 16, Tillie, 15, Oscar, 13, Casper, 12, Alfie, stillborn in 2014, Hallie, 10, Phoebe, 9, Archie, 7, Bonnie, 6, and Heidie, 5.
It is believed that just the flights cost an incredible £26, 000, before baggage fees, which are known to add up quickly.
Sue and Noel could have spent £20, 065 on each of their Florida trips this year based on the cost of a seven-day Disney trip, which would require each visitor to hold a 7-Day Magic Ticket for entrance.
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