Princess Kate 'keen' to follow Camilla in historic move as she returns to public duties
GB News
The Princess of Wales is eager to recognise British skills and industry
The Princess of Wales is set to make history by granting royal warrants for the first time as she gradually returns to public duties following her recent medical treatment.
Kate, who celebrated her 43rd birthday last Thursday, will now have the power to bestow the prestigious honour on companies that supply goods to the royal household.
This marks a significant milestone, as no one holding the Princess of Wales title has granted warrants since Mary of Teck, with the privilege not having been extended to Princess Diana during her time in the role.
While the exact timeline for the warrant-granting process has yet to be announced, sources indicate Kate is eager to "recognise British skills and industry" through this new responsibility.
The Princess of Wales is set to make history by granting royal warrants for the first time as she gradually returns to public duties following her recent medical treatment
Getty
Royal warrants are issued for up to five years and allow companies to display royal arms in connection with their business activities.
Under changes introduced by King Charles, suppliers must now demonstrate they have a sustainability policy to be eligible.
The Princess's potential warrant recipients could range from technology suppliers to her favoured fashion designers, including Alexander McQueen, Catherine Walker, Jenny Packham and Strathberry.
Holland Cooper, who designed Kate's Fairisle knit jumper for her CBeebies Bedtime Stories appearance in 2022, is also considered a potential recipient.
The Princess's potential warrant recipients could range from technology suppliers to her favoured fashion designers, including Alexander McQueen
GettyThe move follows Queen Camilla's recent warrant grants, which included her hairdresser Jo Hansford and the official supplier of Tabasco hot sauce.
Almost 400 companies received Royal Warrants in December's batch issued by the King and Queen, following Camilla's first warrants in May, which included Fortnum & Mason.
The impact of royal warrants on British businesses is expected to be significant, particularly given the Princess's proven influence on consumer behaviour.
"We've seen the Princess of Wales have a huge impact on brands, often referred to as 'the Kate effect'. What makes it so powerful is that it has always felt genuine she chooses brands she truly likes or wants to support," said Nicola Pink, founder of PR and marketing firm We Are Pink.
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Queen Camilla handed out her first royal warrants in May last year
GettyBritish jewellery designer Catherine Zoraida reported a "crazy" impact when Kate wears her pieces, noting: "Its something like a 500 per cent lift in sales whenever she is seen in a pair of earrings."
Royal warrants date back to medieval times but were formalised in the 15th century by Lord Chamberlain, who appointed tradespeople as head of the royal household.
The final decision on which family members can grant warrants remains with the reigning monarch.
Princess Kate is under going a gradual return to royal duties following a September health update, where the Princess of Wales announced she had completed her preventative chemotherapy treatment.