This year is a big year for The Prince and Princess of Wales: not only is it their 15th wedding anniversary, but they are also set to become Grantors of Royal Warrants, meaning they can issue warrants in their own names
We are expecting to see the first warrants from the Waleses in the spring, just a few months away.
While this is a step forward for the couple in their duties as heir and future consort, it’s also a marker in history: Catherine will become the first Princess of Wales to grant Royal Warrants since Queen Mary held the title.
William and Catherine’s new role will see them have the ability to bestow Royal Warrant of Appointment to a company or individual who have supplied products or services to the Royal Household, for at least five of the last seven years on a regular and ongoing basis.
Once a royal warrant has been granted, the recipient has the ‘the right to display the appropriate Royal Arms on their product, packaging, stationery, advertising, premises and vehicles’ for the five-year warrant period. At that time, the warrant is considered for renewal.
While a royal warrant is not an endorsement of a business – it is intended to demonstrate a level of quality or excellence and longstanding relationship with the relevant royal household – it does act as a public seal of approval, elevating brands through this royal connection.
Following Elizabeth II’s death in 2022, Charles and Camilla have been able to issue their first Royal Warrants as King and Queen, with the first batch being released in 2024. Currently, Their Majesties have awarded Warrants to around 600 brands, including Cartier, Schweppes, Waitrose, and Fiona Clare (Camilla’s couturier).
Who might William and Kate give royal warrants to?
Some brands we think might be in the running for a warrant from The Prince or Princess of Wales include:
- Barbour – already a longstanding royal warrant holder from Charles, and formerly Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh, both William and Catherine have worn jackets from the brand over the last decade.
- Catherine Walker – a regular designer for Catherine, one that was also favoured by Diana.
- Gieves & Hawkes – another well-known name in royal circles, the company creates military uniforms and formalwear. It has held a royal warrant since 1789 and made the Prince’s wedding uniform…
- Kiki McDonnough – a favoured jeweller of Catherine’s since the early days of her marriage. Even Queen Camilla now wears one of their pieces regularly!
- Hunter – another outdoors brand that is regularly worn by Royals, known for their hardy wellies and boots.
- Cornelia James – the brand was glovemaker to Elizabeth II since 1978, but Kate regularly wears their pieces in winter.
What other brands do you think could be on this list?
