Since Queen Elizabeth’s demise, more than a week ago, around 600 brands have been holding their breaths in anticipation that they might lose the royal warrant given to them in her reign of over 70 years.
Soon to be crowned King Charles III, will be sending out a new list of approvals for these brands with the commencement of his reign.
Losing the new monarch’s seal of approval would have devastating consequences for the brands in question and will no longer be the preferred choice of suppliers to the sovereign.
These brands range from tea suppliers to apparel brands to dog food manufacturers and even broomstick products.
Some of the favourite brands of Queen Elizabeth
Burberry, Cadbury chocolates, Coca-Cola, Jaguar-Land Rover, Heinz ketchup, Johnnie Walker, Bentley Motors, etc.
The official brand for providing the Queen and her eldest son with protective and waterproof clothing, Barbour, might also lose its royal warrant.
Fortnum and Mason, a luxury department store, was another prestigious brand and were the official grocers of Queen Elizabeth and Prince of Wales.
“We are proud to have held a warrant from Her Majesty since 1954, and to have served her and the royal household throughout her life,” the brand was quoted as saying.
The Queen’s favourite cocktail, Dubonnet and gin, had the brand Dubonnet as the main ingredient in it and was her favourite brand of alcohol.
What is the royal warrant?
The royal warrant is a mark of quality given out to brands that have served the royal family for a long time.
A royal warrant lasts for five years and has a strict renewal screening. It allows the “grantee,” “ the right to display the appropriate royal arms on their product, packaging, stationery, advertising, premises, and vehicles”
The Royal Household Warrants Committee oversees the entire process and is responsible for keeping a check on the quality of the brands with the royal warrant.
A symbol of approval for the people, the royal warrants are granted by the grantors and the ruling monarch decides who is qualified to be a grantor.
Under Queen Elizabeth II’s reign, only the queen and Prince of Wales were the grantors. The Prince of Wales is said to have granted over 150 royal warrants to brands of his choice.
How many businesses have been granted the royal warrant till now?
To date over 800 companies or individuals have been granted around 875 royal warrants.
However, these numbers change every month and 20-40 royal warrants are cancelled almost every year.
How does a business qualify for the royal warrant?
A business is granted a royal warrant after a continued service or supply of products to the royal family for over five years.
This is based not just on the quality of products delivered but also on the sustainability policy and plan of action of the brands, as mentioned on the Royal Warrant Holders Association website.
Read More: Prince Charles assumes the throne after a lifetime’s prep.
