The reason behind King Charles postponement in granting the Prince and Princess of Wales the authority to issue royal warrants has been explained.
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 begin the application process. The has left many brands favoured by the royal couple in limbo on when they might receive formal recognition from the couple.
Royal author Robert Jobson has conceded the long-awaited move has "taken some time” but added the source of the postponement was down to the prioritisation of other elements of Charles transition into the monarch.
The King has seemed to delay granting Kate and William the right to issue Royal Warrants.
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The author stressed there was "always a bit of a delay” in such arrangements and that “we haven't seen a transition in the Crown for some time”.
“We've had to deal with the King and the Queen first,” he told Hello! Magazine.
Charles was crowned king in September 2022 and has only recently completed the last milestone of that transition, with the issuing of his Great Seal.
The decision to allow William and Kate to become official "grantors" of warrants now rests solely with him.
The King has only recently marked the final milestone of his own transition period.
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Jobson revealed that a number of "stringent tests" would now need to be undertaken before William and Kate could be considered, but that it would ultimately be granted to them "in due course".
Being able to grant a royal warrant is not a given. Charles became a grantor in 1980 as Prince of Wales, but Princess 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.
Since succeeding the late Queen Elizabeth II, King Charles and his wife Queen Camilla have issued many warrants - with 400 companies being granted the privilege ahead of Christmas 2024.
Charles has honoured many beloved brands as King, many passing over from his late mother.
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Royal warrants are granted to businesses that supply goods or services to the Royal Household. At present, there are around 800 warrant holders, ranging from artisan food producers and tailors to global tech firms.
John Lewis and the Queen’s hairdresser, Jo Hansford, were among the recent spate of awards given out.
Reflecting on the complexity of the process, Jobson observed: “You don't just get awarded a royal warrant; it's a lot involved.”
To obtain the privilege, 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.
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William and Kate are expected to honour sustainable and eco-conscious businesses when they are granted the privilege.
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Equally, a company may not hold a warrant forever. Last year, the classic British chocolate brand Cadbury lost its Royal Warrant which it had held since 1854.
When the privilege is bestowed on the Prince and Princess of Wales, it is expected they will choose to highlight sustainable and eco-conscious businesses.
In the past, William 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".
