Prince William and Kate Middleton to Receive New Royal Power as They Prepare to Take Over Throne
Prince William and Kate Middleton have taken another step toward taking over the reins of the monarchy. The Prince and Princess of Wales have been given the authority to issue Royal Warrants from next year. King Charles and Queen Camilla, who were the only royals allowed to grant warrants, have appointed the Waleses with the exciting new power.
According to Hello! magazine, the Prince of Wales’ private secretary, Ian Patrick, confirmed the news. The statement read, “Their Royal Highnesses are delighted to be able to recognize and celebrate British industry, creativity and skills through the granting of Warrants.” The Royal Family’s official website explains a royal warrant as “a document that permits a company to use the Royal Arms in connection with its business. It is granted for up to five years at a time as a mark of recognition for the ongoing supply of goods or services traded with and used by the Households of His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen.” Given William and Middleton's growing popularity with the public, this authorization may prove to be very helpful to the businesses that either held the warrant previously or those without one.
The process of shortlisting businesses for the couple’s warrants will take place in two stages. The first will begin soon with the opening of applications from companies with existing warrants granted by the King and Queen. A list of successful businesses will be announced by early next year. William and Middleton will then accept applications from companies that do not hold an existing royal warrant. Granting this category of businesses with warrants will take longer to allow time for a thorough vetting.
The new power will allow William and Middleton to spotlight the companies they have trusted for years. Middleton will become the first Princess of Wales with the authority after Princess Mary of Teck in 1910. This will be another stepping stone for Middleton, who is already known for the influence she has on brands, the ‘Kate-effect’. The items she wears sell out in the blink of an eye. At present, the Princess’s go-to fashion designers for her elegant and timeless pieces are Catherine Walker, Erdem, Jenny Packham, Kiki McDonough, Catherine Zoraida, and Robinson Pelham. On occasions, she has also trusted other designers when stepping out for her royal duties.
Last year, Charles and Camilla granted warrants to over 140 companies, which included firms that had previously gained the warrants before his coronation. The royal couple also issued warrants to more than 400 companies, including Camilla’s hairdresser Jo Hansford, in December. Companies benefit a lot from royal warrants, as there are only a few things perhaps more valuable than the royal family’s trust and stamp of approval. William is likely to use his new power to back environmentally friendly businesses, while Middleton is to boost organizations that focus on children's welfare and health.