Seven Companies Receive First Royal Warrants from Queen
Today, it was announced that seven companies have been granted the first royal warrants from Queen Elizabeth II. The prestigious warrants are a symbol of recognition for businesses that have provided goods or services to the royal family. Among the recipients are Fortnum & Mason, Camel Valley, and Shane Connolly & Company, all of whom have received the warrant from both the Queen and the King.
Fortnum & Mason, a luxury department store, has been granted the warrants as grocers and tea and provision merchants. The store’s chief executive, Tom Athron, expressed his gratitude and stated that the warrants stand for the company’s focus on sustainability, support for rural communities, and preservation of arts and heritage crafts.
Camel Valley, a sparkling wine producer based in Cornwall, was also honored to receive the warrants from both the King and Queen. Winemaker Sam Lindo shared his excitement, stating that the warrants are a testament to the support and encouragement they have received from the royal family, particularly from Queen Elizabeth II, who has been a loyal customer.
Shane Connolly & Company, the florist for Camilla and Prince Charles’s wedding in 2005 and their coronation last year, has also been granted the warrants. The company’s owner, Shane Connolly, expressed his gratitude for the recognition and stated that it is a great honor to have the royal family as clients.
Other companies that have received the warrants from the King include wine merchants Corney & Barrow, chemists DR Harris & Co, stationery and office equipment supplier Frank Smythson, and jewellers Wartski. These companies are now allowed to use the coat of arms of the royal family member they are associated with on their packaging, advertising, and stationery.
Brand finance expert David Haigh spoke to Sky News about the significance of holding a royal warrant for companies. He stated that it allows them to charge a price premium, estimated to be between 10% and 25%. Haigh also emphasized the impact of the scheme on the UK economy, stating that it is worth billions to British companies. He also highlighted the preference of foreign buyers and tourists for royal warrant holder products, with 100% of Chinese buyers willing to pay more for them.
The warrants were granted after a review of companies previously granted warrants by the monarch when he was the Prince of Wales. 138 firms were re-granted the warrants now that he is King, and another seven were named as holders by him and his wife. Some of the notable companies that have retained their warrant status are luxury jewellers Cartier, Garrard & Co, and Mappin & Webb, champagne producer Laurent-Perrier, and high-end supermarket Waitrose.
The warrants also include fashion house Burberry, tailors Anderson and Sheppard and Gieves and Hawkes, shirt makers Turnbull & Asser, and car manufacturers Aston Martin Lagonda, Bentley, Audi, and Jaguar Land Rover. These companies have been recognized for their excellence in providing goods and services to the royal family.
The announcement from Buckingham Palace highlights the importance of the royal warrants and their significance in the business world. With the recognition from the monarchy, these companies are now able to showcase their connection to the royal family and their commitment to quality, sustainability, and support for the UK economy.
