Princess Catherine’s New Role in Granting Royal Warrants as She Returns to Royal Life

As Princess Catherine gradually returns to royal duties, one of her new responsibilities will be granting Royal Warrants. According to the Royal Family’s official website, a Royal Warrant of Appointment is a prestigious mark of recognition given to individuals or companies that have consistently provided goods or services to the Royal Household.

Surprisingly, Catherine is the first Princess of Wales in a century to be granted this distinction. Her predecessor, Queen Mary, had the privilege of issuing Royal Warrants before her husband, King George V, ascended the throne in 1910.

Being granted a Royal Warrant signals the highest standards of quality, reliability, and service. It reassures the public that the goods or services are fit for royalty, boosting consumer confidence. King Charles began issuing Royal Warrants when he was still the Prince of Wales in 1980, but his wife, Camilla, did not follow suit after their marriage in 1981. Although Princess Diana was a well-known member of the royal family, her role as the wife of Prince Charles did not automatically grant her the authority to issue Royal Warrants.

 

Other royal family members, including Camilla Parker Bowles, Queen Elizabeth, Prince Philip, and the Queen Mother, have held the power to issue these honors. It is rumored that Princess Catherine’s husband, Prince William, may also begin issuing Royal Warrants later this year.

To be eligible for a Royal Warrant, new suppliers must demonstrate a commitment to sustainability. These warrants are granted for a five-year period, and King Charles determines who holds the authority to issue them. Reports suggest that Catherine could issue Royal Warrants to fashion designers who have provided her with iconic outfits over the years. These include Alexander McQueen, Catherine Walker, Jenny Packham, Holland Cooper, and Strathberry.

Known for her influence on brands, often referred to as the “Kate Effect,” Princess Catherine’s choices have always seemed genuine. She supports brands she personally likes or believes in, which means that any business or product she endorses is likely to see a surge in popularity.

Once a Royal Warrant is granted, the recipient company is allowed to display the Royal Arms on their products. The Royal Arms must be accompanied by a legend that includes the name of the royal family member who granted the warrant, the company’s name, the goods or services provided, and the company’s address. A Royal Warrant is initially granted for five years, and there are currently around 800 businesses holding this distinction.

The Royal Family has not yet announced when Princess Catherine will begin issuing Royal Warrants. In a recent Instagram post about her engagement with the Royal Marsden, Catherine expressed gratitude for those who have supported her and Prince William, saying, “We couldn’t have asked for more.” During her visit, the Princess spoke about the toll cancer takes on families, emphasizing the importance of supporting loved ones just as much as the patients.  In line with her visit, Kensington Palace revealed that both Prince William and Princess Catherine have become joint patrons of the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust. The visit highlighted Catherine’s deep empathy and compassion, as she spoke candidly about the challenges patients face during treatment and the long-term effects that often follow.

 

Although the Royal Marsden visit garnered much attention, it has been clarified by the Palace that it was not the official start of Princess Catherine’s return to full-time royal duties. The engagement was driven by her desire to show support and gratitude for the medical staff, marking a personal moment of reflection for the Princess.