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The Association

Grantors

Three members of the Royal Family currently grant Warrants, as did Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother.  They are known as the Grantors.  They are:

• HM The Queen, who has two Royal Arms, one used in Scotland.
• The Prince of Wales, who also holds the title of Duke of Rothesay in Scotland
• HRH The Duke of Edinburgh

The head of the Royal Household, the Lord Chamberlain, advises the Grantors but each Grantor makes the final decision to grant a Warrant.   A business may only receive one Warrant from a Grantor, but may hold Warrants from more than one Grantor. A few companies hold Warrants from all three.

Grantees

Warrants are granted, usually for five years, to a named individual, who must be Chief Executive Officer Managing Director or Sole Proprietor or the holder of a senior management appointment with direct access to the Board of Directors. This person - the Grantee - is personally responsible for ensuring the Warrant is used correctly.

Warrant holders may display the relevant Royal Arms with the words ‘By Appointment’ on their product, stationery, buildings, vehicles, advertising and packaging. There are strict rules on using and displaying the Royal Arms.

At present around 850 firms hold Royal Warrants of Appointment. They represent the widest cross-section of British trade and industry (there are a small number of overseas firms). They range from individuals practising traditional crafts to large firms equipped with the latest technology. Whether they are chemists or computer suppliers they share a total commitment to the highest standards of quality. Some boast Royal Warrants going back more than 200 years.

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