Kensington Palace has just started the countdown for the new royal power that Prince William will receive in six months. The heir to the throne will acquire a power that will allow him to grant official royal credentials, strengthening his influence over certain sectors of British commerce.
This is the privilege of issuing the Royal Warrant, a distinction that authorizes the use of the royal coat of arms on products from companies with outstanding service. Therefore, starting in 2026, Prince William will have the ability to decide which brands deserve this privilege.
Kensington Palace confirms Prince William's decisive change
Kensington Palace is preparing for what will be the decisive step in Prince William's preparation as king. King Charles III's illness has forced his eldest son to take on greater institutional responsibilities. Now, a new power is being added to these that promises to revolutionize the entire United Kingdom.
Kensington Palace confirms that in six months Prince William will be able to grant the Royal Warrant. This means giving certain companies the ability to use the royal seal as a mark of trust on their products. Thus, this will help strengthen the heir's ties with certain sectors of British commerce.
This significant change was granted to him by King Charles III as part of a strategic renewal of his royal role within the United Kingdom. Until now, only the king and other select members of the Royal Family could grant these authorizations, a centuries-old tradition carefully guarded by the Crown.
Starting in 2026, Prince William will be able to formally recognize companies that have provided services or supplies for at least five continuous years. The Royal Warrant program acts as a national seal of excellence, promoting British products based on quality, sustainability, and constant innovation.
This new royal attribute means that iconic brands such as Alexander McQueen, Catherine Walker, Mulberry, or Strathberry could receive unprecedented institutional support. A Royal Warrant means that the distinguished firm can officially display the royal symbols on its product, reinforcing its reputation before a wider audience. This, without a doubt, helps give brands an unprecedented mark of trust.
Kensington Palace includes Kate in Prince William's new role
If Prince William's new power has caused anticipation, the fact that Kate Middleton will accompany him in the role has been no less so. Kensington Palace includes the Princess of Wales in the program that will begin in six months.
In this historic turn, Middleton will be the first Princess of Wales to issue these credentials after more than 115 years away from that privilege. Its last holder was Princess Mary of Teck, who had the same power before her husband ascended as king in 1910.
Therefore, Prince William's wife will also hold the same power as her husband, thus equating her institutional weight. For companies, obtaining this authorization represents an enormous added commercial value, since it increases recognition and credibility both locally and internationally.
Currently, there are around 800 holders of a Royal Warrant, among whom are food producers, tailors, hotels, and traditional British artisans. The new applications issued by the prince and his wife will open at the beginning of 2026, while the current ones must be renewed during the year.
Kensington Palace confirms that Prince William stated that both are delighted with this new institutional role. This exercise of royal power will allow them to act as active ambassadors of national talent, reinforcing their institutional role in the local economy.