King Charles has granted Prince William and Kate Middleton the power to issue Royal Warrants in what is a significant upgrade to their existing royal duties.
Until now, the Prince and Princess of Wales were unable to hand out the prestigious honor to businesses, brands and people they support.
According to the royal family’s website, a “Royal Warrant of Appointment” is a “mark of recognition” to those who “have regularly supplied goods or services to the Royal Household.”
Existing Royal Warrant holders have been given until the end of the month to apply for retention of their coveted status.
Those seeking new warrants from the couple will be able to submit applications in early 2026.
“Their Royal Highnesses are delighted to be able to recognise and celebrate British industry, creativity and skills through the granting of Warrants,” Sir Ian Patrick, Private Secretary to The Prince of Wales said in a statement.
In order to obtain a warrant, a company must have supplied the royal family for five of the past seven years. Needless to say, it must demonstrate high quality standards, service and practice in sustainability.
There are currently 800 warrant holders, with companies ranging from food producers and restaurants, to tailors, hotels and more.
What’s more, individual service providers have the ability to receive warrants, with Queen Camilla recently awarding her personal hairstylist, Jo Hansford, with the honor.
Princess Catherine will be the first Princess of Wales in 115 years who will be granted the centuries-old honor.
The last Princess of Wales who was allowed to issue royal warrants was Queen Mary, before her husband George V became monarch in 1910.
While Charles issued out warrants in 1980 as Prince of Wales, his then-wife, the late Princess Diana, was not given the honor.
In December 2024, Charles and his wife, Queen Camilla, granted their second set of Royal Warrants of Appointment to a total of 386 companies.
This followed the 152 Royal Warrants the pair handed to businesses in May 2024.
