Royal Approval

 

From earliest times, the King and court, like any other household, required goods and services - from making robes to repairing roofs. Competition for Royal favour was intense and the monarch had the pick of the country's most proficient tradespeople. The earliest surviving record of this Royal approval dates from 1155 when Henry II granted the Weavers' Company a Royal Charter.

 

By the 15th century the Lord Chamberlain formally appointed Royal tradesmen with a Royal Warrant - a practice which continues today. In the 18th century, Royal tradesman began displaying the Royal Arms on their premises and stationery.

 

During Queen Victoria's 64-year reign more than 2,000 Warrants were granted. They included companies such as Fortnum & Mason, Schweppes and Twinings who still hold Warrants today.

 

 

Warrant Holders

 

Royal Warrants are a mark of recognition to people or companies who have supplied goods or services for at least five years to HM The Queen, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh or HRH The Prince of Wales.

 

They are granted to named individuals, known as Grantees who are executive or partners and must ensure the Warrant is used correctly. Warrant Holders may display the relevant Royal Arms on their products, premises, stationery, vehicles and advertising.

 

Today there are around 850 Royal Warrant Holders representing a huge cross-section of trade and industry. They range from individuals practising traditional crafts to large organisations operating at the cutting edge of technology. They all share a commitment to the highest standards of quality and service.

 

 

The Association

 

From the early 19th century Royal tradesmen held an annual dinner to celebrate the sovereign's birthday. When they gathered in 1840 for Queen Victoria's birthday they decided to form 'The Royal Tradesmen Association'.  In 1907 the Association received its first Royal Charter and became 'The Royal Warrant Holders Association'. re-granted in 2007 by HM The Queen.

 

Today the Association advises members on everything to do with their Warrant. It provides a link to the Royal Household and ensures Warrants are only displayed by bona fide Warrant Holders. The President and Vice President hold office for a year, and there is a governing Council and permanent Secretary.

 

There are around 850 Association members and branches in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Sandringham and Windsor. Only Warrant Holders may belong to the Association.