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A children's shoe manufacturer behind products worn by Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis has collapsed into liquidation. Michael Bolton & Sons, which traded as Early Days, has been in business for 73 years after being founded in 1952 by brothers Tony and Michael Bolton.

Now run by Michael's two sons, Paul and Chris, the company has entered Creditors' Voluntary Liquidation, with Paul George and Chris Lawton of Business Helpline Group appointed. It achieved worldwide fame after the Royal Family began dressing their children in their handmade leather pre-walker shoes.

Prince George was seen in 2013 wearing the classic Alex T-bar shoe, which caused the factory to go into overtime and temporarily suspend online sales due to their popularity.

Princess Charlotte was frequently seen in the Emma style, while Prince Louis was spotted in the iconic navy Alex style.

Earlier this year, Michael's son Paul revealed that the company was "likely to close our factory manufacturing Early Days and Baypod shoes in Leicester after over 73 years of operation".

He wrote on LinkedIn: "The decision to wind down the company comes in response to ongoing increases in overheads and the challenging state of both the UK and overseas economies over the past three years."

Advisers said sustained financial pressures across the retail and manufacturing sectors, including rising operating costs, squeezed margins.

Azhar Ahmed, managing partner at BHG Advisory, said Early Days was operating in "an increasingly challenging environment".

The joint liquidators will now work with stakeholders to wind up the business.