A Royal Snub? King Charles Postpones Key Milestone for Prince William and Kate Middleton

King Charles, who is known to be very fond of his daughter-in-law Kate Middleton, and who has been greatly leaning on Prince William to undertake key royal duties since his cancer diagnosis last year, has had a major royal milestone delayed for the Waleses. Despite earning big laurels from the King, William and Middleton have had their ability to issue royal warrants for brands postponed by Charles.

Charles became a warrant grantor in 1980 as the Prince of Wales. As reported by GB News, royal warrants are granted to businesses that supply goods or services to the royal household. They serve as both an endorsement and a mark of prestige for these brands. Presently, there are around 800 holders, ranging from artisan food producers and tailors to global tech firms. The tradition of granting royal warrants should also allow the Prince and Princess of Wales to officially acknowledge the brands they use. However, The Times reported that William and Middleton cannot use these warrants yet unless Charles gives them the go-ahead.

As per reports, some brands that supply the Waleses have begun to ask when the warrant process might begin. To obtain a royal warrant from a senior royal, a company must have served the royal household for at least five to seven years. Being able to grant a royal warrant is conferred by the monarch, and only to senior working royals. While Charles became a grantor in 1980, the late Princess Diana never held the role despite marrying him. If permitted to grant warrants, Middleton would become the first Princess of Wales to issue warrants since 1910.

Royal expert Emily Nash chimed in on the importance of royal warrants for brands. On Hello!’s A Rights Royal podcast, she argued, "For the brands and companies, having the endorsement of a royal warrant from William and Kate would bring huge kudos as well as a huge boost.” She added, “We’ve seen the impact of the ‘Kate effect’ on fashion over the years, so this official royal seal of approval would be huge for the designers, services, and companies the couple favor.” The ‘Kate effect’ refers to a global phenomenon wherein garments and accessories sell out shortly after the Princess of Wales is photographed in them. It is also the nickname given to the economic influence she wields, which is reportedly £1 billion to the British fashion industry.

While the Prince and Princess of Wales have not been authorized to issue warrants yet, they have allegedly already set their minds on who they would endorse. As per the Daily Express, Middleton will likely give a royal warrant to Victoria Beckham. Meanwhile, William is likely to give the privilege to several eco-friendly brands, echoing his passion for the environment and sustainability, much like Charles. So far, Buckingham Palace has refused to comment on Charles' delay in issuing royal warrants to the Waleses.