These Food Brands Will Change Packaging Due To The Queen's Death
It has become a time of significant change for the United Kingdom after the passing of Queen Elizabeth II last week. The BBC reports that stamps, coins, and passports are all expected to be updated soon to reflect this monarchy's transition. This means that when Britains throw down a few coins at their neighborhood shop, it will soon be the face of King Charles III looking back at them from the counter.
Among the many other changes associated with the transfer of royal power are the Royal Warrants of Appointment. According to The Royal Household, a royal warrant is a right for a company to display the royal arms on their product as an indicator that it's used regularly in households of the Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh, or the Prince of Wales. Obtaining the royal warrant is a coveted position for any brand and takes years of business with the royal family (and a formal application process) to earn. Robb Report says these royal warrants have been issued since the 15th century. Products like the queen's preferred water or favorite aperitif are just a few of the things that bear the royal crest and the words "by appointment." There are roughly 800 royal warrant holders, but many of those are now void after the queen's death. This means the labels for many products are also about to change.
Current warrant holders will need to reapply
According to Syracuse.com, current royal warrant holders will be permitted to continue displaying the royal coat of arms for up to two years during the warrant review process. In that time, warrant holders will be expected to reapply to maintain their status and right to display the coat of arms. Current warrant holders include Heinz products, Coca-Cola, Cadbury Chocolate, Twinings Tea, Bollinger Champagne, Fortnum & Mason products, British Sugar, Unilever, and Johnnie Walker, among hundreds of others.
The BBC notes that among being a point of pride, the royal warrant is also considered a shining endorsement for any product. Reissuing these warrants can also be a subtle sign of the king's values as a monarch. Some expect that sustainable business practices will factor heavily into the consideration for new royal warrants. ABC News notes that King Charles III could be considered the first "climate king" due to his environmental activism — meaning it may take more than just an excellent flavor to earn a spot in the king's breakfast box. Having that warrant stripped will be a subtle signal to wary consumers who want to eat like royalty.