Royal Warrant facts for kids
Royal warrants of appointment are special badges or stickers given by members of the British Royal Family to companies and people. These companies supply goods or services to the Royal Family. Think of it like a special thank you and a sign that the Royal Family trusts their products.
It's important to know that a royal warrant doesn't mean a product is the "best" in the world. It simply means that the Royal Family has been buying from that company for at least five years. It shows a long-standing relationship and trust.
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Who Gives Royal Warrants?
Only a few members of the Royal Family have the power to give out these warrants. They are called "grantors."
Current Grantors
Today, there are three members of the Royal Family who can issue royal warrants:
What Happens When a Grantor Dies?
When a grantor passes away, the warrants they issued usually become void. However, companies are often allowed to continue using the warrant for a certain period, usually up to five years. This gives them time to adjust.
Past Grantors
The Queen Mother also used to issue royal warrants. After she passed away in 2002, all the warrants she had given out expired in 2007. This followed the usual five-year rule.
What Does a Royal Warrant Mean for a Company?
For a company, having a royal warrant is a big deal!
- It's a sign of quality and reliability.
- It can help a company's reputation around the world.
- Companies often display the royal coat of arms on their products or buildings. This shows they hold a warrant.
How Companies Get a Warrant
To get a royal warrant, a company must:
- Supply goods or services to the Royal Household for at least five years.
- Show that they have a good record of business.
- Prove they are financially stable.
- Follow certain rules about how they run their business. This includes things like being good to their employees and caring for the environment.
The Royal Warrant Holders Association
Companies that hold royal warrants are part of a special group called the Royal Warrant Holders Association. This group helps to keep the standards high for all warrant holders.
Royal Warrants Around the World
Many royal families in Europe used to give out similar awards. Some still do!
The Swedish Example
For example, Sweden still has a similar system. However, their warrants are for supplying the "Royal Swedish Court." This means they supply the royal palace and its needs, rather than a specific member of the royal family. It's a bit different from the British system, which focuses on individual royal family members.
