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The story of British Prince Harry about how he treated body parts frostbitten during an expedition to the North Pole drew public attention to his grandmother Elizabeth’s favorite remedy. II. It was about the cream “Eight Hour” by Elizabeth Arden, thanks to which this American company received the official title of “Her Majesty’s Supplier”. We talk about other well-known brands that have the right to the British royal coat of arms on the packaging.
Companies that have earned the honorable right to deliver their goods to royalty receive the Royal Warrant of Appointment. This is a document that is issued for five years and allows you to use the royal coat of arms in business. The history of such “guarantees” dates back to the Middle Ages: even then, there was serious competition among the best merchants of the country for the favor of the monarchs. Back in 1155 King Henry II assigned Weaver’s Company the status of its official supplier. In the 15th century, the Lord Chamberlain, who was in charge of the life of the court, began to issue official “royal guarantees”, and not only to merchants.
For example, in 1476 William Caxton thus became the first official court painter. In the 18th century, royal purveyors began using the coat of arms of the monarch to signify the high quality and exclusivity of their goods. And in 1840, the Association of Holders of Royal Guarantees was created, which includes all existing suppliers of goods and services. By the end of the reign of Queen Victoria, the association included two thousand companies and individual craftsmen.
Which member of the royal family can issue “guarantees” is now decided by the current monarch. During the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, this list included her husband the Duke of Edinburgh and son Prince Charles. Accordingly, the coat of arms, which the company could place on its windows, product packaging and website, belonged to the one who made it to the list. Those firms that got into the association of holders of royal guarantees on the recommendation of the monarch did not hesitate to put the emblem of the British royal family in a prominent place, and if the initiative came from Prince Charles, they used the coat of arms of the Princes of Wales.
After the change of the monarch, the royal court reviews the issued “guarantees”, but companies or individuals who have already received them can continue to use the emblems for two years. There are about eight hundred such suppliers in total, and they provide the court with a variety of services. And although it is believed that the royal coat of arms on the packaging is a guarantee of quality, do not forget that not all goods produced by the same company are equally good and delivered to the court.
But, of course, the same cannot be said about cars from royal garages. For almost 70+ years, one of the suppliers of the yard has been Bentley. On a limousine of this brand Elizabeth II made solemn trips, for which not only enhanced protection was provided, but also a special design, so that the subjects could see the monarch.
When this maroon and black car was used for state visits, the company emblem on the hood gave way to the symbol of the royal family – a statue of St. George. And on the roof there was an illuminated coat of arms of the Windsors and a standard. King Carl has added to the list of suppliers of his favorite manufacturer: Aston Martin Limited. It is known that his favorite car is the Aston Martin Volante convertible presented by his parents for his 21st birthday.
One of the first suppliers of Queen Elizabeth II was her favorite fashion designer, Sir Norman Hartnell, who designed not only her wedding dress in 1947, but also her entire image for the coronation in 1953. Speaking of the wedding. Ever since Elizabeth left the wedding ceremony wearing a pair of soft Cornelia James gloves, she has remained faithful not only to her husband, but to this East Sussex glove manufacturer.
The handbags that the queen used not only to carry small things, but also to give one of several conventional signs to her entourage, were made by Launer. She has been the official supplier of the court since 1968, although back in 1950, Queen Mother Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon bought a bag in a store opened by a Czech craftsman who fled during the war from Czechoslovakia occupied by Nazi Germany. It was thanks to her mother that Elizabeth II learned about the existence of this brand, and for many years used its accessories.
Umbrellas for Her Majesty were made in Fulton Umbrellas, and every season new specimens were handed over to Buckingham Palace with borders of different colors – to match the bright costumes of the monarch. Some of the craftsmen do different things for different members of the royal family. For example, umbrella maker Carla III Swain Adeni Brigg made whips for his mother’s stable. But there are brands on this list that we see every day in stores: from an alcoholic drink loved by James Bond Martini and Coke to baked beans and ketchup Heinz.
In general, nothing human is alien to monarchs. In the list you will find the manufacturer of chocolates Cadbury, corn flakes Kellogg‘sTwinings teas, Wedgwood tableware, appliances Samsung. Raincoats save members of the royal family from the rain Barbour and rubber boots Hunter. Shoes and Prince Philip and King Charles always ordered from John Lobb, moreover, they say that the latter’s foot was measured for the first pair of black oxfords in 1971 and shoes are still made to that exact measurement.
The list of holders of “Royal Guarantees” includes florist Judy Reed. She told the magazine Country&townwho spends a huge amount of time decorating flower arrangements at Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh. And although she has been doing this for many years, she admits that she is still very nervous.
Flowers are living beings, so you can never fully relax. I’m worried about whether they’ll be delivered on time, how long they’ll last…
The same list includes gas suppliers, mechanics and cleaners, and even exterminators. Many of them will remain holders of the “guarantee” under the new king. In total, being a prince, he issued them to about 180 companies. All are expected to retain their current status. But the rest of the suppliers can be replaced if the monarch considers that they do not care enough about the environment.
One of the latest King-guaranteed businesses is the Walcot Organic Nursery in Worcestershire, whose seedlings regularly fill the gardens of Charles and Camille Highgrove’s estate. In addition, the Queen Consort and the new Prince of Wales, William, will also likely want to add their favorite companies to this list. What exactly – it will become clear in 2024.
Source: Hellomagazine
Jason Root is a writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth coverage of famous people in entertainment, sports, and politics. He has a passion for uncovering the stories behind the headlines and bringing readers an inside look at the lives of the famous. He has been writing for Gossipify for several years and has a degree in Journalism from UC Berkeley.
