Kate Middleton becomes first Princess of Wales in over a century to be given rare royal duty
Kate Middleton has become the first Princess of Wales in over a century to receive a significant royal privilege – the authority to issue Royal Warrants alongside Prince William. This honor hadn’t been granted to a Princess of Wales since Queen Mary, Elizabeth II’s grandmother, held the title.
Royal Warrants act as prestigious seals of approval, allowing companies to display the Royal Arms on their products for up to five years. William’s private secretary confirmed the couple’s enthusiasm for recognizing British businesses through this traditional system.
The privilege marks another milestone in Kate’s royal journey since becoming Princess of Wales in 2022 following Queen Elizabeth’s death. Notably, even Princess Diana didn’t receive this responsibility during her time as Princess of Wales from 1981-1997.
The warrants will take effect next year, potentially benefiting many of Kate’s favorite fashion brands. Industry experts anticipate significant boosts for labels like Alexander McQueen, Jenny Packham, and Erdem, which have become synonymous with the princess’s style.
Kate’s influence on British fashion – dubbed the “Kate Middleton effect” – already generates an estimated £1 million annually for the UK economy. The warrants will further amplify this impact, providing selected brands with unparalleled prestige and publicity.
Accessory designers including Kiki McDonough and Robinson Pelham may also receive recognition. These warrants traditionally help businesses gain global recognition while maintaining royal connections.
This development underscores Kate’s growing responsibilities within the monarchy. As she follows in Queen Mary’s footsteps with this privilege, it signals both tradition and the modernization of royal commercial relationships in the 21st century.
