In a significant move, King Charles III has revoked the royal warrants for Cadbury and Unilever, two major household names in the UK. The decision, announced late last week, marks a rare instance of the monarch withdrawing royal approval from such prominent brands, raising questions about the underlying reasons for the change.
The royal warrant system, established in the 15th century, recognizes suppliers of goods and services to the British royal household. For companies holding a warrant, this prestigious recognition allows them to display the Royal Arms on their packaging, a symbol of quality and royal endorsement. Both Cadbury and Unilever had enjoyed the privilege of holding royal warrants for many years. Cadbury, a renowned British chocolatier, had held the warrant since the reign of Queen Victoria in the 19th century, while Unilever, the parent company of iconic brands such as Ben & Jerry’s and Marmite, had long been a supplier to the royal family.
However, this time, neither company was included in the new list of royal warrant holders, despite being prominent suppliers in the UK. No official reason was given for the revocation, as per royal protocol, but the timing is noteworthy. Both companies had faced significant public and political backlash for continuing their operations in Russia after its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. This controversy had sparked a campaign urging King Charles to strip the companies of their royal warrants.
Unilever, after facing criticism for its presence in Russia, sold its Russian subsidiary in October, concluding its operations in the country. Mondelez, the parent company of Cadbury, still maintains a presence in Russia, operating three factories and continuing to produce its well-known snack products. The company’s decision to establish a self-sufficient supply chain in Russia, despite calls for boycotts and criticism from activists, has only fueled the controversy.
In contrast, King Charles renewed royal warrants for several other prominent companies, including Heinz, Nestlé, and John Lewis, signaling a continued commitment to established royal suppliers. Additionally, Queen Camilla appointed seven new warrant holders, recognizing individuals and businesses from diverse fields, including hairdresser Jo Hansford and hat designer Philip Treacy.
The royal warrants granted to Cadbury and Unilever were not renewed as part of the regular five-year review process. The revocation came six months after an open letter from the activist group B4Ukraine, which had urged King Charles to sever ties with companies continuing business in Russia, claiming their operations contributed to prolonging the war.
While the official reasons for the decision remain unclear, it appears that King Charles’ choice to revoke the warrants for these two companies reflects growing sensitivity to the ongoing geopolitical tensions and public sentiment surrounding the war in Ukraine. As the royal family continues to navigate these delicate matters, the revocation sends a clear message about the monarchy’s stance on corporate responsibility and its impact on royal endorsements.
