King Charles breaks major royal protocol to give Kate Middleton new power
It's the first time it's happened in 116 years
King Charles has granted Prince William and Kate Middleton with a new set of powers and is said to have broken protocol in the process.
The 77-year-old monarch appears to have passed down more responsibility to his son, 43, and daughter-in-law, 43, following his cancer diagnosis, publicly announced in February 2024.
In December, Charles issued a positive health update during a Channel 4’s Stand Up To Cancer broadcast.
"Today I am able to share with you the good news that thanks to early diagnosis, effective intervention and adherence to ‘doctors’ orders,’ my own schedule of cancer treatment can be reduced in the New Year," he said.
Advert
Marking a break from more than a century of precedent, Will and Kate will this year have the power to hand out royal warrants.
Kate, who 12 months ago revealed her cancer was in remission, and her husband will be stepping into a new role, joining handing out royal warrants with the King and Queen.
The last time a Princess of Wales did this was Queen Mary, later the Queen Mother, who handed out warrants between 1901 and 1910.
What is a royal warrant?
A royal warrant is given to a brand approved by the royal family and can range from posh retailers like Fortnum & Mason, Burberry, Cartier, The Goring hotel to Heinz.
Even the Royals love their baked beans.
With Kate being a notably fashion forward Royal, with certain items selling out shortly after she was photographed wearing them, there are bound to be plenty of brands vying for her attention.
According to the Royal Warrants Holder Association, any chosen brand must have supplied the royal household 'with goods or services for at least five years out of the past seven years, and have an ongoing trading relationship'.
It's a big plus for businesses, who can display the royal warrant crest on their products and website.
The honour is usually reserved just for the reigning monarch and their partner, or members of kin that the monarch has picked.
The Princess of Wales’ private secretary, Ian Wright, confirmed the news last year and said: "Their Royal Highnesses are delighted to be able to recognise and celebrate British industry, creativity, and skills through the granting of warrants."
Will and Kate will start granting Royal Warrants of Appointment from Spring 2026, when grants will be made to selected Royal Warrant holders.
"Applications from non-Warrant-holding companies for Royal Warrants of Appointment from Their Royal Highnesses will open in May 2026 until the end of June 2026," the Association added.
"Application forms and instructions will be available from the Association upon request during the application period."
Topics: King Charles III, Royal Family
Anish Vij