They have been granted the ability to issue Royal Warrants

King Charles has appointed Prince William and Kate Middleton new titles as official grantees of Royal Warrants, marking a historic milestone in their growing royal roles.

The move allows the Prince and Princess of Wales to grant Royal Warrants for the first time.

Royal Warrants are prestigious endorsements given to companies that supply goods or services to royal households.

This honour, long reserved for senior working royals, enables the couple to formally recognise British businesses that demonstrate excellence, quality, and sustainability.

“Their Royal Highnesses are delighted to be able to recognise and celebrate British industry, creativity and skills through the granting of Warrants,” Sir Ian Patrick, Private Secretary to The Prince of Wales, said in a statement.
Prince William and Kate, Princess of Wales, have been granted the ability to issue Royal Warrants (Credit: Cover Images)

Prince William and Kate Middleton get new title

Royal Warrants date back to the 15th century and serve as a seal of approval from the royal family.

Companies must have supplied the royal household for at least five of the past seven years to be eligible. They must also demonstrate outstanding standards of service and a strong commitment to sustainability.

Currently, there are over 800 Royal Warrant holders, from tailors and luxury chocolatiers to cutting-edge tech firms and local artisans.

Their Royal Highnesses are delighted to be able to recognise and celebrate British industry, creativity and skills through the granting of Warrants.

Even individual service providers, such as hairdressers, can receive a warrant. In fact, Queen Camilla recently awarded one to her hairdresser, Jo Hansford.

This is the first time William and Kate have been granted the ability to issue warrants. This authority is not given to all royals.

King Charles became a grantor in 1980 during his time as Prince of Wales. However, his former wife, Princess Diana, never took on the role.

Existing warrant holders under the former Prince of Wales title have until the end of July to reapply to retain their status. New applications for warrants from the Wales household will open in early 2026.

This is the first time the Prince and Princess of Wales have been granted this authority (Credit: Cover Images)

Royal Warrants

This latest development comes amid a transitional year for the royal family.

Both King Charles and Princess Kate underwent cancer treatment last year and began carefully phased returns to public life.

Despite health setbacks, the monarch has maintained an impressive schedule.

King Charles also made history in 2024 by attending his first Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting as monarch.

Since he became monarch in 2022, Prince William and Kate have been a firm support for Charles.

In addition to their new roles, the Prince and Princess of Wales have continued to modernise their royal influence in other areas, including environmental advocacy and mental health awareness.

The Royal Household also announced the retirement of the royal train, one of Queen Elizabeth II’s most private modes of travel, in favour of more sustainable alternatives.