Princess Kate to 'give royal warrants' for the first time as she slowly returns to duties
It's an historic move
Kate is poised to make history as the first princess since Queen Mary to issue royal warrants.
This comes as the Princess of Wales, 43, begins to resume her public duties following abdominal surgery and the completion of chemotherapy after her cancer diagnosis last year.
While an official start date for issuing warrants hasn’t been announced, a royal insider told The Times: “She’s keen to recognise British skills and industry.”
Princess Kate to issue royal warrants
Royal warrants acknowledge businesses providing goods and services to the royal household. They have traditionally been issued by reigning monarchs or consorts.
King Charles began the practice as Prince of Wales in 1980.
What makes it so powerful is that it has always felt genuine.
Kate’s new role will reflect her commitment to showcasing a wide range of British businesses, from environmental firms to designer fashion.
Nicola Pink, founder of the PR firm We Are Pink, noted Kate’s influence, often called “the Kate effect”.
“What makes it so powerful is that it has always felt genuine,” Nicola told the Daily Mail. “She chooses brands she truly likes or wants to support.”
Under King Charles’ leadership, royal warrants now include a requirement for companies to demonstrate strong environmental and sustainability policies.
This reflects his commitment to eco-conscious values, which has also seen some brands, such as Cadbury, lose their warrants.
Cadbury has been a royal warrant holder since Queen Victoria’s reign in 1854. However, their warrant was not renewed under King Charles.
A spokesperson for the chocolate company stated: “Whilst we are disappointed to be one of hundreds of other businesses and brands in the UK to not have a new warrant awarded, we are proud to have previously held one, and we fully respect the decision.”
What is a royal warrant?
Royal warrants are granted for five years. They allow businesses to use the royal arms in their branding.
Nearly 400 warrants were issued in December, following 152 earlier in 2024.
Notable recipients include Queen Camilla’s long-time hairdresser Jo Hansford.
Princess Kate’s potential choices could range from tech suppliers to fashion brands like Alexander McQueen, Catherine Walker, and Strathberry, which she has often worn.
Meanwhile, Princess Kate made her first major engagement of 2025 by visiting Royal Marsden Hospital, where she received cancer treatment last year.
Kate returned to thank the staff and meet patients during an hour-long visit.
Kensington Palace noted that the visit was to “show her gratitude to the incredible team, but also highlight the world-leading care and treatment the Marsden provides”.
Kate and Prince William now serve as royal patrons of the hospital.
Read more: Princess of Wales makes surprise visit to hospital where she received cancer treatment
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