How 'the Kate effect' will take hold when Princess of Wales is able to give her favourite brands an official royal warrant - and here is what is holding her back
A royal warrant is not just an official endorsement from the British monarchy but it can do wonders for any company formally associated.
For the royal family it is a chance to give brands an ultimate seal of approval and for the rest of us it allows a rare insight into the Windsor shopping basket.
Almost 400 companies were included in the December batch of Royal Warrants issued by the King and Queen after the latter had previously granted them for the first time in May that year, deciding to award one to Fortnum & Mason.
This prestigious task, once a hallmark of Queen Elizabeth II 's reign, will mark another significant step in Kate Middleton 's journey as a senior royal, underscoring her increasing role in shaping the monarchy's modern image.
The last Princess of Wales to issue a royal warrant was Mary of Teck, who issued them before her husband, George V, took the throne in 1910.
In January it was reported that the Princess of Wales would grant royal warrants for the first time ever in her gradual return from illness.
With the 'Kate Effect' adding a reported £1 billion to the British fashion industry, a nod from the Princess of Wales could be one of the highest honours a brand can receive.
However, King Charles has decided to delay granting permission to Princess Kate and Prince William to bestow their own royal warrants, according to the Times.
King Charles began issuing warrants as the Prince of Wales in 1980, although this job was not given to Princess Diana after their wedding the following year.
A royal warrant is a sign of excellence, awarded to businesses or individuals who have regularly supplied goods or services to the royal household. It lasts for up to five years at a time, and can often increase growth for companies.
It enable companies to have a royal coat of arms on their packaging for at least five years, although they can be cancelled if products fall below expected standards.
A source previously revealed that the Kate and William plan to use them to 'recognise British skills and industry'.
But people close to the royal pair are interested to find out when they will receive the honour, especially those part of the brands that supply Kate and William's household.
It is understood that some of these brands have already contacted the warrants office to find out if they would be considered.
But a source confirmed that applications will not be considered until the King grants permission to Kate and William.
A number of reasons could be behind the delay including a backlog from previous warrants issued by the late Queen and by Charles when he was Prince of Wales.
Furthermore, it has been suggested that the lord chamberlain's office has also been busy with the late Queen's funeral and then Charles' coronation.
A company must be selected by the grantor and once the Kate and William are given permission, the royal warrants office would set a timeframe for firms to apply for consideration.
Alexander McQueen is top of the list of those who are expected to be awarded a royal warrant by Kate and William, with other potential favourites including handbag brand Strathberry, tweed clothing range Holland Cooper, and accessories label Emmy London.
The 'Kate effect' has seen items worn in public by the princess sell out within minutes and this is expected become even more dramatic if she is able to give brans and an official seal of approval.
While William is expected to champion different brands and has previously advocated eco-friendly brands such as Rapanui, which sells sustainable clothes, and Purified Shoes, which makes plastic-free trainers.
Buckingham Palace and the Royal Warrant Holders Association have been approached for comment on when the Prince and Princess of Wales will be granted permission to hand out royal warrants.
Until then, take a look at some of the brand who could be in the running.
Alexander McQueen
Considered Kate's go-to fashion house, it's no secret that Alexander McQueen holds a special place in her wardrobe.
From her wedding gown to the red double-breasted coat that she wore for her milestone return at the Together At Christmas carol concert last December, the British fashion house has been behind some of the royal's most iconic looks.
Catherine Walker
Catherine Walker is responsible for some of Kate's most regal outfits, and also many of Princess Diana's famous looks.
Catherine Walker designed the dignified, military-inspired coat that the Princess of Wales chose for Remembrance Sunday last year. She also designed the coat dress that Kate wore to the funeral of Prince Philip in 2021.
Jenny Packham
From Hollywood premieres to King Charles's Coronation weekend, Kate has turned to British designer Jenny Packham for some of her most high-profile occasions.
Jenny Packham's glamorous contribution to the Princess of Wales's wardrobe cannot be overlooked either. Who can forget Kate's gold dress for the No Time To Die premiere?
The Princess knows she can trust Packham's sleek gowns with a touch of glitter to make her feel her best when the eyes of the world are on her. They're a match made in style heaven.
Strathberry
The Edinburgh-based luxury brand has long been a go-to for many of the royal ladies.
The Duchess of Edinburgh, Zara Phillips and Princess Eugenie all carry its bags. Kate, too, seems to have the handbag designer on speed dial and has built up quite a collection.
Holland Cooper
Holland Cooper blends British heritage with modern designs, creating women's fashion that is both stylish and functional.
Thanks to its focus on quality and craftsmanship, Kate gravitates towards the brand's tweed and tartan coats and blazers, which are both elegant and practical.
Emmy London
Kate has worn 16 pairs of shoes and nearly as many handbags from Emmy London. She has them in a rainbow of colours, making them the perfect accompaniment to her working wardrobe.
The company identifies as a slow fashion brand and adopts a sustainable approach.
Catherine Zoraida
Catherine Zoraida's designs have been a go-to for Kate since 2012 - the same year the Colombian-born jeweller set up her online business.
Turning to the brand countless times, including her poignant visit to Southport last October, the princess has made a huge impact on sales with a 500% lift whenever she is seen in a pair of earrings.
Kiki McDonough
Princess Diana was a fan, Queen Camilla loves the pendants, and Kate Middleton owns at least 20 pieces from British jeweller Kiki McDonough.
Its citrine drop earrings seem to be her favourite style and have been spotted at more than 40 engagements.
Brora
The Princess of Wales has long had a love for warm knitwear, and one of her most-worn jumpers, which frequently makes an appearance near Christmas time, is from Brora.
The luxury cashmere manufacturer, whose Scottish knitwear is hand-produced using 200-year-old mills, also hits the sustainability mark, too.
Beulah London
When it comes to combining style and social consciousness, Beulah London will certainly be in consideration.
Founded by Lady Natasha Rufus Isaacs and Lavinia Richards, the fashion house is known for giving back. The founders have committed to supporting vulnerable and trafficked women, especially through employment.
LK Bennett
Kate catapulted LK Bennett's now-iconic Sledge shoe to fame in 2011. The shoe has garnered numerous headlines over the years and even featured in an exhibit about royal style in the V&A museum.
Since then she has often turned to the High Street brand, including when she wore a recycled floral dress when unveiling the first official portrait of the Prince and Princess of Wales at the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge.
Burberry
From tailored blazers to ruched midi dresses and bow blouses, the Princess of Wales has mastered the art of incorporating Burberry's heritage checks and playful plaid into her wardrobe. The firm already holds a royal warrant, but the Princess could grant it another one.
The iconic, quintessentially British luxury fashion house was founded in 1856. It is likely to be in the running as the Princess is keen to recognise British skills and industry.
Mulberry
The brand is synonymous with British style, and the Princess of Wales has carried 16 of its handbags to date.
From clutches to totes, an array of Mulberry bags have accessorised Kate's outfits over the years, with the white Amberley reigning supreme with ten appearances.
Karin Herzog
Kate Middleton's radiant complexion is thanks to Karin Herzog's oxygen-infused skincare line - in particular the Vita-A-Kombi 1 Anti-Ageing Face Cream.
Karin Herzog is a Swiss pioneer of oxygen beauty treatments, which work by delivering the cleansing properties of oxygen gas deep down into the skin to destroy bacteria.
Jo Malone
Turning to Jo Malone for her signature scent, Kate scented Westminster Abbey with Jo Malone's Orange Blossom candles on her wedding day.
Westminster Abbey smelled of Jo Malone's Orange Blossom candles when Prince William and Kate Middleton wed in April 2011
It is reported that the royal also enjoys the cologne from the British fragrance house, which is synonymous with simple, elegant scents.
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