Royal Warrants are a highly prestigious mark of recognition that signifies a business’s longstanding relationship with a royal household. This emblem is a symbol of trust, quality, and exceptional service, granted to companies or individuals who supply goods or services to the royal family.
Rooted in centuries of tradition, royal warrants carry immense significance for both the recipients and the broader public. Let’s take a look at the history of Royal Warrants….
Image Licensed to i-Images Picture Agency. 19/07/2021.King Charles and Queen Camilla can issue Royal Warrants. Picture by Stephen Lock / i-Images
What Are Royal Warrants?
A Royal Warrant is a formal document issued by a reigning Monarch or their Consort to companies or tradespeople who have supplied goods or services to the Royal household for at least five consecutive years. Those who receive a Royal Warrant are known as the Grantee. An official Royal Warrant Display Document is sent to the Grantee which provides evidence of the authority to use the Royal Arms.
It authorises the grantee to display the Royal coat of arms and the words “By Appointment to” followed by the name of the Royal or Royal Household that issued the warrant.
These emblems are often seen on shopfronts, product packaging, and advertisements, serving as a badge of excellence that conveys a high standard of quality and reliability. Royal Warrant holders represent a huge range of trades and industries.
Royal Warrant by Appointment to HM The King (used in England and Wales and Northern Ireland) and The Queen’s Royal Warrant by Appointment. (Wikipedia)
What is The Royal Warrant Holders Association?
The Royal Warrant Holders Association represents companies and individuals who supply goods or services to the British Royal Family and hold a Royal Warrant of Appointment.
Established in 1840, the association supports warrant holders, upholds the standards of quality associated with the Royal Warrant, and fosters connections between its members.
A Historical Overview
The history of Royal Warrants dates back to the Middle Ages, where Kings and Queens relied on trusted suppliers for goods and services. The official granting of Warrants began in the 15th century under Henry VIII, who formalised the process by appointing authorised purveyors to the Royal court. Over time, this tradition evolved into a more structured system, with clear criteria and regulations.
The modern system of granting Royal Warrants emerged during Queen Victoria‘s reign in the 19th century, a time when the Warrant became synonymous with prestige and was sought after by many businesses. Today, Warrants continue to reflect the rich heritage of the Monarchy and the standards they uphold.
The official Royal Warrant Display Document from Elizabeth II on display at Savile Row tailor Gieves & Hawkes. (Wikipedia)
How Are Royal Warrants Granted?
Royal Warrants are issued by members of the Royal Family who have chosen to become grantors. These include:
– King Charles III
– Queen Camilla
– The Prince of Wales – who will be issuing Royal Warrants from 2025, according to The Guardian.
Elizabeth II, the Queen Mother and the Duke of Edinburgh were also grantors of Warrants.
To qualify, a business must have supplied products or services to the royal household for a minimum of five years. The application process involves rigorous scrutiny to ensure the company adheres to the highest standards of quality, environmental sustainability, and corporate responsibility.
Benefits of a Royal Warrant
For businesses, receiving a Royal Warrant is a hallmark of trust and a powerful marketing tool. It elevates the brand’s profile and opens doors to new opportunities, both domestically and internationally. While the Warrant does not imply Royal endorsement or recommendation, it is widely seen as a sign of excellence and reliability.
The association with the Royal Family lends an air of tradition and prestige, attracting customers who value heritage and superior craftsmanship. Many Warrant holders, such as Fortnum & Mason, Burberry, and Cadbury, have built their global reputations on the strength of their Royal affiliations.
The Goring, hospitality services to Elizabeth II, received a Royal Warrant in 2013. (Wikipedia)
Regulations and Renewals
Royal Warrants are not granted indefinitely. They are subject to review every five years, ensuring that grantees maintain their commitment to excellence. A company can lose its warrant if it fails to meet the required standards or ceases to supply the Royal household. Additionally, when a reigning Monarch passes away, all existing warrants become void. Companies must then reapply to the new Monarch to retain their warrant status.
The granting of a Royal Warrant gives a Warrant Holder nothing more than a right to display the Royal Arms and they are not entitled to claim or imply any exclusivity of supply. When a company displays the Royal Arms in relation to their business, the Coat of Arms must always be accompanied by the Legend. This Legend provides the details of which Member of the Royal Family has granted the Royal Warrant, the company name, the nature of the goods or services provided to them and the head office address of the company.
The Lord Chamberlain’s Rules govern how the Royal Warrant may be displayed on a company’s products, stationery, advertisements and other printed material, in their premises and on delivery vehicles. The Grantee has responsibility for ensuring these rules are followed correctly.
Warrants may not be renewed if the quality or supply for the product or service is insufficient, as far as the relevant Royal Household is concerned. A Warrant may be cancelled at any time and is automatically reviewed if the Grantee dies or leaves the business, or if the firm goes bankrupt or is sold.
Twinings, suppliers of tea and coffee, received a Royal Warrant from Elizabeth II. (Wikipedia)
The Future of Royal Warrants
With the rise of environmental and ethical considerations in consumer behaviour, the criteria for Royal Warrants have evolved to reflect contemporary values. Sustainability, innovation, and responsible business practices are becoming increasingly important for grantees.
As society progresses, Royal Warrants will likely continue to adapt while remaining a respected symbol of quality and tradition. For businesses, they represent not only a connection to royalty but also a commitment to excellence that resonates across generations.
Royal Warrants stand as a testament to the enduring relationship between tradition and commerce, bridging the gap between a country’s heritage and its modern aspirations. To hold one is to join a select group that embodies the pinnacle of craftsmanship, quality, and trust.
