King Charles and Queen Camilla have recently bestowed a new batch of royal warrants, recognizing businesses from a variety of industries, from the royal rat-catcher to Camilla’s personal hairdresser.
These royal warrants are prestigious acknowledgments given to companies that provide goods or services to the Royal Household and senior members of the Royal Family.
Receiving a royal warrant is seen as a mark of excellence and a coveted achievement for businesses both within the UK and internationally.
Hundreds of Companies Included in the Latest Round
This time, nearly 400 companies received royal warrants, covering everything from heritage crafts to clothing and food manufacturing.
Among the businesses granted the honor are Bacardi-Martini, which supplies Martini Vermouth to the Royal Family, Command Pest Control Ltd, Dunelm for soft furnishings, and Kellogg’s for cereals.
Other notable companies include McIlhenny, the supplier of Tabasco hot sauce, and Lottie Longman, the Royal Family’s florist.
Queen Camilla’s Personal Touch
Queen Camilla, who also granted her first round of royal warrants earlier this year, awarded seven to businesses close to her heart.
This includes her long-time hairdresser Jo Hansford, who has been responsible for Camilla’s iconic blonde hair for over three decades.
Despite her royal title, Camilla still visits Hansford’s Mayfair salon regularly, enjoying the experience and the conversations.
Hansford expressed her honor at receiving the royal warrant, noting that it was particularly special for an all-female-owned business like hers.
Additionally, Camilla granted warrants to some of her favorite couturiers and craftsmen, including Anna Valentine, who designed her wedding dress, and renowned milliner Philip Treacey.
Other recipients include local businesses such as Benson & Babb, a Gloucestershire veterinary clinic, and Shane Connolly & Co, a floral design company.
The Importance of Sustainability
Royal warrants are not just about prestige; they also require companies to meet certain standards, including sustainability, a cause close to King Charles.
Warrant holders are assessed on various criteria, and businesses that fall below expected standards can have their warrants revoked.
This focus on sustainability has been highlighted by companies like Charles Owen, a British manufacturer of protective headwear, which values the Royal Household’s growing emphasis on environmental responsibility.
The Changing Landscape of Royal Warrant Holders
While many companies were fortunate enough to retain their royal warrants, not all did.
Some businesses that had held warrants from Queen Elizabeth II were reviewed under King Charles’s reign, with a particular focus on their environmental credentials.
A number of prominent British brands, including Cadbury, Burberry, and Audi, faced the possibility of losing their royal warrants due to their sustainability records.
At least eight companies, including HM Sheridan, a butcher’s shop near Balmoral Castle, attempted to retain their royal warrants but were ultimately rejected.
This marks a shift in how the Royal Family is prioritizing eco-friendly businesses.
The Controversy of Companies with Russian Ties
In recent months, there has been controversy surrounding companies with ties to Russia.
As part of the ongoing review of royal warrants, some businesses, such as Unilever (owner of Marmite and Cadbury) and Nestlé, faced calls for their warrants to be revoked due to their operations in Russia.
Ukrainian campaigners urged King Charles to strip these companies of their royal honors, citing their ongoing business dealings in Russia as support for the war in Ukraine.
However, as of now, these companies continue to hold their warrants from the late Queen Elizabeth.
What’s Next for Royal Warrants?
The latest round of royal warrants highlights King Charles and Queen Camilla’s continued commitment to recognizing businesses that meet high standards of service, quality, and sustainability.
It also demonstrates the evolving nature of royal approvals, with an increased focus on environmental responsibility and global awareness.
As businesses look to retain their royal warrants, they must adapt to the growing expectations of the Royal Family.