It's Official: Princess Kate and Prince William Are About to Gain an Exciting New Royal Power in 2026

She's the first Princess of Wales to have the honor since 1910.

Kate Middleton and Prince William waving from a carriage
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Prince William and Princess Kate have just reached a major milestone on their paths to becoming the future King and Queen. On Monday, June 30, it was announced that King Charles has given the Prince and Princess of Wales the ability to grant royal warrants next year—and the move comes after it was reported this spring that the privilege was being "postponed," perhaps for years.

Essentially, a royal warrant is a stamp of approval for a company and is granted by select members of the Royal Family to their favorite businesses. This means William and Kate can honor their go-to fashion and beauty brands, food retailers, department stores or any other company they choose—and the impact for receiving a warrant is huge.

"A Royal Warrant of Appointment is a document that permits a company to use the Royal Arms in connection with its business," per the Royal Family's official website. "It is granted for up to five years at a time as a mark of recognition for the ongoing supply of goods or services traded with and used by the Households of HM The King and HM The Queen."

Queen Camilla, King Charles, Prince William, Prince Louis, Prince George, Princess Kate and Princess Charlotte on the balcony at Trooping the Colour 2025

The Prince and Princess of Wales, seen at Trooping the Colour 2025 with their children and The King and Queen, will now be able to grant royal warrants.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

The move is also a historically significant one, as Kate will become the first Princess of Wales to grant royal warrants in 115 years—Mary of Teck was the last Princess of Wales to have the honor in 1910.

Who might receive the coveted stamp of approval? Just look to Kate's closet. For nearly 15 years, the Kate Effect has ensured that whatever the royal wears swiftly sells out—and a company being able to include the official royal coat of arms on its products would only make sales skyrocket.

Princess Kate's wedding dress designer and longtime go-to British label, Alexander McQueen, is a shoo-in for a warrant, along with designers like Catherine Walker, also a favorite of the late Princess Diana. Jeweler Kiki McDonough—who recently shared her memories of Diana with Marie Claire—is surely in consideration as well.

The Princess of Wales has long been a fan of Mulberry handbags, and Scottish label Strathberry is another royally approved bag brand that just might be on the potential warrant list. And let's not forget British heritage brand Holland Cooper—the label's sweaters, blazers and tailored wool coats have been a staple in Kate's wardrobe in recent years.

As for the specifics, the first round of companies must submit their initial applications by the end of July, and warrants will be granted in early 2026.

Kristin Contino
Senior Royal and Celebrity Editor

Kristin Contino is Marie Claire's Senior Royal and Celebrity editor. She's been covering royalty since 2018—including major moments such as the Platinum Jubilee, Queen Elizabeth II’s death and King Charles III's coronation—and places a particular focus on the British Royal Family's style and what it means.

Prior to working at Marie Claire, she wrote about celebrity and royal fashion at Page Six Style and covered royalty from around the world as chief reporter at Royal Central. Kristin has provided expert commentary for outlets including the BBC, Sky News, US Weekly, the Today Show and many others.

Kristin is also the published author of two novels, “The Legacy of Us” and “A House Full of Windsor.” She's passionate about travel, history, horses, and learning everything she can about her favorite city in the world, London.