King Charles has delayed granting the Prince and Princess of Wales the authority to issue royal warrants, leaving brands hoping to receive formal recognition from the couple in limbo.
The centuries-old tradition gives selected brands the official royal seal of approval and serves as a prestigious endorsement.
While it had been expected that William and Kate would be given this responsibility soon, the King has not yet authorised it, meaning companies cannot even begin the application process.
Royal warrants are granted to businesses that supply goods or services to the Royal Household. They serve as both an endorsement and a mark of prestige for the companies that receive them.
King Charles has delayed granting Prince William and Princess Kate the ability to grant royal warrants.
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At present, there are around 800 warrant holders, ranging from artisan food producers and tailors to global tech firms.
Individual service providers can also receive warrants, with the Queen having included her hairdresser, Jo Hansford, in a recent round of awards.
The decision to allow William and Kate to become official "grantors" of warrants rests solely with Charles.
And some brands that already supply the Waleses have begun to ask when the process might open, The Times has claimed.
Charles has yet to give the privilege to the Waleses, despite companies queuing up for the honour.
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However, under current rules, applications cannot even be considered until royal approval is given.
To obtain a royal warrant, a company must have supplied the royal household for five of the last seven years. They must also demonstrate high standards in quality, service and sustainability.
Being able to grant a royal warrant is not a given. It is conferred by the monarch, and only to senior working royals. Charles became a grantor in 1980 as Prince of Wales, but Diana never held the role despite marrying him the following year.
If permitted, Kate would become the first Princess of Wales to issue warrants since 1910. This week the princess supported British fashion by wearing a £1,340 suit designed by Victoria
Kate's favour for certain brands have long held influence over the fashion industry.
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Kate, 43, has become known for boosting sales simply by being photographed in a particular outfit or accessory.
This so-called "Kate effect" has resulted in sales increasing fivefold in some cases, with items worn by the princess selling out within minutes.
Designers such as Alexander McQueen, Self-Portrait, and Catherine Zoraida have seen demand spike after royal appearances.
William, 42, is expected to highlight sustainable and eco-conscious businesses if granted the authority to issue royal warrants.
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The royal couple are expected to grant royal warrants to fashion brands and eco-friendly enterprises.
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In the past, he has supported companies such as Rapanui, which sells sustainable clothes, and Purified Shoes, which makes plastic-free trainers.
The prince has consistently championed eco-friendly brands, with a source previously indicating that the couple would use their warrants to "recognise British skills and industry".
While short of a royal warrant, Kate caused frenzy by appearing to show favour to the clothing brand of Victoria Beckham.
The Princess of Wales made a notable appearance at a fashion industry event during her latest royal engagement, wearing an olive-green trouser suit from Beckham’s Spring collection priced at £1,340.
