Kate Middleton is the first Princess of Wales in almost a century to be granted a rare royal distinction. Although her mother-in-law, Princess Diana, was also Princess of Wales, she was prohibited from participating in this royal tradition.

Kate Middleton is the first Princess of Wales in almost a century to grant royal warrants

As Kate Middleton gradually returns to royal life, one of her new roles will be to grant royal warrants. Per the royal family website, “A Royal Warrant of Appointment is granted as a mark of recognition to people or companies who have regularly supplied goods or services to the Royal Household.”

Surprisingly, Kate Middleton is the first Princess of Wales to be granted this distinction in a century. She was preceded by Queen Mary, who issued warrants before her husband King George V came to the throne in 1910.

King Charles began issuing royal warrants when he was still the Prince of Wales in 1980. But Princess Diana did not follow suit after the pair wed in 1981.

Although Princess Diana was a prominent member of the royal family, her primary role was as wife of Prince Charles. Therefore, that position did not automatically give her the power to issue royal warrants.

Other royal family members who held this role included Camilla Parker Bowles, Queen Elizabeth, Prince Philip, and the Queen Mother. It has been rumored that Kate’s husband, Prince William, will also begin to issue warrants this year.

What types of royal warrants could Kate Middleton issue?

Per GB News, new suppliers under consideration for a royal warrant must “demonstrate they have a sustainability policy to be eligible.” These warrants are issued for five years and King Charles decides who has the power to issue these grants.

The news outlet reports that Kate Middleton could potentially issue royal warrants to the fashion designers who have supplied her with some of her most memorable outfits over the years. These include Alexander McQueen, Catherine Walker, Jenny Packham, Holland Cooper, and Strathberry.

“We’ve seen the Princess of Wales have a huge impact on brands, often referred to as ‘the Kate effect’. What makes it so powerful is that it has always felt genuine she chooses brands she truly likes or wants to support,” said Nicola Pink, founder of PR and marketing firm We Are Pink to GB News. That means that any business or product that Kate puts her stamp of approval on will likely see an uptick in popularity for its owner.

Why is a royal warrant important?

The royal family website explains that once a royal warrant is granted to a company, they are entitled to display the Royal Arms on their product. The Legend must accompany the Coat of Arms.

The Legend shares which royal family member granted the warrant. Additionally, the company’s name, the goods or services provided, and the company address must be displayed.

Being granted a royal warrant implies the highest standards of quality, reliability, and service. It signals to the public that the goods or services are fit for royalty, boosting consumer confidence.

A royal warrant is initially granted for up to five years. There are currently 800 in place.

It has not been announced by the royal family when Kate Middleton will begin issuing royal warrants.