Queen Camilla Just Issued a Royal Warrant — and It’s a Sweet Nod to Queen Elizabeth’s Legacy
Queen Camilla has granted individual royal warrants since May 2024, after King Charles's coronation. These warrants are granted by the Crown to businesses that supply goods or services to the royal household. They serve as both an endorsement and a mark of prestige for these labels. As Queen Consort, Camilla has awarded the prestigious honor to her favorite brands in the skincare and fashion industries. However, one royal warrant granted recently in June stands out for being a touching tribute to her late mother-in-law, Queen Elizabeth. Camilla bestowed the honor on Launer London, the iconic British handbag maker, which made the late Queen's famed purses for over 60 years.
As reported by Tatler, Queen Elizabeth was known to have an iconic Launer London handbag collection, which she would pair with her bright coat dresses. She herself awarded a royal warrant to the handbag maker in 1968, a mark of distinction that remained in place until her passing in 2022. Continuing her mother-in-law’s legacy, Camilla also granted them the honor in light of the brand’s craftsmanship and commitment to British tradition. Interestingly, in a poignant tribute, she had also carried a Launer Tosca clutch to Queen Elizabeth’s funeral service in 2022.
According to PEOPLE, the royal family's connection with Launer dates back to the 1950s, when the Queen Mother purchased her first bag from the brand. She later gifted pieces from her collection to her eldest daughter, who used them to carry makeup, sweeteners, and a coin purse. Launer London was founded in the 1940s by Sam Launer, who fled Czechoslovakia with his wife and sons during the war. The late Queen remained loyal to the brand until her final days, carrying their handbag during her last official engagement, meeting Prime Minister Liz Truss at Balmoral Castle on September 6, 2022. Just two days later, she passed away peacefully at her beloved Scottish residence.
Launer London's CEO, Gerald Bodmer, revealed how he and his team were honored to see the Queen's loyalty to the brand in her final days. He previously told PEOPLE, "I'm amazed how she carried on carrying her bag with a walking stick. She [once] said to me, 'I don't feel dressed without a handbag.'" Commenting also on the Queen's personality behind closed doors, he added, "She was absolutely charming, delightful, and ordinary — she was just like the lady next door. She was aware of everything, very smart."
As per GB News, a company must have supplied goods or services to the royal household for at least five to seven years to be eligible for a warrant. The authority to grant these warrants is bestowed by the monarch and limited to only senior working royals. Charles, who has held the power to grant royal warrants since 1980, recently extended this privilege to Prince William and Kate Middleton, allowing them to begin issuing the same from 2026.