Royal Warrants Holders Opticians

History of the Royal Warrant

Over the centuries Royal life and tastes changed. Henry VIII appointed Thomas Hewytt to 'Serve the Court with Swannes and Cranes' and 'all kinds of Wildfoule'. The Field of the Cloth of Gold in 1520 was largely put together by Royal Tradesmen. Charles II's 1684 list of Royal tradesmen included a Sword Cutter, an Operator for the Teeth, and a Goffe-club Maker. Among the tradesmen supplying the Royal Household in 1789 were a pin maker, a mole taker, a card maker and a rat catcher.

In the late 18th Century Royal tradesmen began displaying the Royal Arms on their premises and stationery. But it was Queen Victoria who ensured that Royal Warrants gained the prestige they enjoy today. During her 64 year reign The Queen and her family granted more than 1,000 Royal Warrants, eight times as many as The Queen's uncle, King George IV. They included companies such as Fortnum & Mason, Schweppes and Twinings, which still hold Royal Warrants today.

Royal Warrants continue to be a prestigious mark of recognition to those who are regular suppliers of goods and services the Households of HM The Queen, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh and HRH The Prince of Wales.

At present around 800 individuals or companies hold Royal Warrants of Appointment. They represent the widest cross-section of British trade and industry (there are also a small number of overseas companies) - 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.