King Charles Ends Royal Warrants for Cadbury and Unilever

By Evans Momodu
3 minute read

King Charles III has discontinued royal warrants for Cadbury and Unilever, two prominent household brands, in a surprising move that has drawn attention in both the UK and abroad.

The Royal Warrants

Royal warrants are a long-standing tradition in the UK, allowing brands recognised as suppliers to the royal family to display the Royal Arms on their packaging. The system dates back to the 15th century and currently includes more than 500 companies.

Charles recently issued the second set of warrants during his reign, continuing the tradition established under Queen Elizabeth II. However, Cadbury and Unilever, which had enjoyed warrants for decades, were notably excluded.

The Brands' Legacy

Cadbury, a British chocolatier with a warrant dating back to Queen Victoria's reign, and Unilever, the parent company of popular brands like Marmite and Ben & Jerry’s, were high-profile casualties of the latest review.

While no official reason was provided—consistent with royal protocol—speculation has linked the decision to criticism of both companies for their continued business activities in Russia following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Advocacy and Response

The announcement came six months after campaigners urged the monarch to revoke warrants for companies maintaining ties with Russia. However, there is no confirmation that this advocacy influenced Charles’ decision.

Both Unilever and Mondelez, Cadbury's parent company, have faced significant scrutiny over their business ethics in recent years. The revocation of these warrants underscores the evolving expectations surrounding royal endorsements.

The Future of Royal Warrants

As the warrants are reviewed every five years, this decision reflects King Charles’ approach to modernising royal practices while maintaining the tradition of honoring brands that align with the monarchy's values.

For Cadbury and Unilever, the loss marks the end of a symbolic but prestigious association with the British royal family.
Source: CNN