As the year 2025 begins, Prince William and his wife Princess Kate are rumoured to be planning to use a major power for the first time ever. Indeed, senior royal family members have got the power to drop and grant royal warrants to brands all over the United Kingdom.
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Prince William and Kate Middleton to use major power
Prince William and Kate Middleton have never used their power to drop or grant a warrant, not yet at least. They are rumoured to be preparing their list of royal warrants for the first time. This would be the first time Prince William and Princess Kate use their power under their newly appointed roles as Prince and Princess of Wales. These roles were appointed after the passing of Queen Elisabeth II in September 2022, when King Charles rose to the throne.
In December 2024, King Charles and Queen Camilla granted nearly 400 warrants to businesses close to their hearts, including Bacardi-Martini Limited, the manufacturers of Schweppes, BT, and the DHL delivery services. The couple granted warrants to most of the companies that had received theirs from Queen Elisabeth II during her reign.
However, one major British brand saw its royal warrant disappear after 170 years. The beloved chocolate company Cadbury's did not receive its warrant in December 2024, meaning they are not allowed to use the Royal Arms on their products or packaging any longer. The brand first received its royal warrant under Queen Victoria's reign in 1854, but King Charles has decided otherwise. Cadbury's US owners, Mondelez International, have reacted to the decision in an official statement made by a spokesperson:
Whilst we are disappointed to be one of hundreds of other businesses and brands in the UK to not have a new warrant awarded, we are proud to have previously held one, and we fully respect the decision
Royal warrants are a major feature for the Firm
According to the Daily Mail, Prince William and Kate Middleton plan on granting their first awards as Prince and Princess of Wales this year. Royal warrants are granted for five years minimum, and they can be renewed. These warrants are a sign of recognition that the products are used by the Royal Family, or by a senior member of the Firm. The warrant is a simple document which allows brands or companies to use the royal coat of arms to advertise and sell their goods or services. The businesses are selected by the Royal Family, and include a wide range of goods, including heritage crafts, food, drinks and clothing.
Only senior members of the Royal Family are allowed to grant royal warrants, which is why Prince William and Princess Kate are only allowed to do so now that they are Prince and Princess of Wales. We will soon find out which companies are personal favourites of the couple, and whether they grant warrants to businesses previously supported by the late Queen.
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Sources used:
Express: Prince William and Princess Kate in royal first as they plan to use new power
Royal.uk: Royal warrants
Royal Warrants: New Royal Warrants Granted
BBC: Cadbury loses royal warrant after 170 years
