King Charles has officially granted Prince William and Kate Middleton the authority to issue Royal Warrants, marking a significant step in their evolving roles within the monarchy.
This new responsibility allows the Prince and Princess of Wales to endorse companies by awarding Royal Warrants for the first time—an honor traditionally reserved for senior working royals.
Royal Warrants serve as prestigious marks of endorsement given to businesses that supply goods or services to the royal household. They recognize excellence in quality, service, and sustainability.
“Their Royal Highnesses are delighted to be able to recognise and celebrate British industry, creativity and skills through the granting of Warrants,” said Sir Ian Patrick, Private Secretary to The Prince of Wales.
Prince William and Kate Middleton get new title
These royal endorsements, which have roots going back to the 15th century, act as a seal of royal approval. To be eligible, companies must have provided goods or services to the royal household for at least five of the last seven years, all while maintaining high standards and a strong sustainability record.
Currently, more than 800 businesses hold Royal Warrants, ranging from traditional craftsmen and chocolatiers to tech innovators and local producers. Even personal service providers can qualify—Queen Camilla recently granted a warrant to her longtime hairdresser, Jo Hansford.
This is the first time William and Kate have been given the power to grant warrants themselves, a privilege not extended to all members of the royal family. King Charles began issuing Royal Warrants in 1980, during his tenure as Prince of Wales, while Princess Diana never held that role.
Companies holding warrants under King Charles’s previous title have until the end of July to reapply. The Wales household will begin accepting new applications for Royal Warrants in early 2026.
Royal Warrants
This move comes during a time of transition for the royal family. Both King Charles and Princess Kate have faced health challenges in the past year, undergoing cancer treatments and slowly returning to public duties.
Despite these hurdles, the King has continued to fulfill a demanding schedule, including making history in 2024 by attending his first Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting as monarch.
Since King Charles’s accession in 2022, Prince William and Kate have remained key figures in supporting the monarchy. Alongside their new warrant-granting authority, they’ve been actively modernising their roles, with strong focus on environmental initiatives and mental health advocacy.
The Royal Household also recently announced the retirement of the royal train—once a private and symbolic mode of travel for Queen Elizabeth II—in favor of more sustainable alternatives.
This latest development underscores the growing influence and responsibility of the Prince and Princess of Wales as they continue to shape the modern monarchy.