The concept of the Royal Warrant of Appointment dates back to the advent of the monarchy. The King and his court had to be provided for and, understandably, had first call on the services of the most proficient in the land. In return, being a Royal Tradesmen conferred certain trading benefits over those formally appointed in writing by means of a Royal Warrant issued by the Lord Chamberlain, a practice which continues to this day. During the 18th Century, Royal Tradesmen started also to display The Royal Arms on their premises.

The earliest record of Royal approval dates 
back to 1155 when Henry II granted a Royal Charter 
to the Weavers Company.

It has always been a recognition of personal 
service of high order.


Historic Banquet Menus.

In the early 19th century, certainly by the reign of William IV, a group of Royal Tradesmen established the custom of holding an annual dinner to celebrate "His Majesty's Birthday". In due course, they formed themselves into an association, more concerned with the rights and privileges conferred by the Royal Warrant, In 1907 The Royal Warrant Holders Association was incorporated by Royal Charter to promote and safeguard the interests of its members.



Until the reign of Queen Victoria (1837 - 1901), The Warrant Holders totalled as few as 25, It was this monarch that was responsible for the prestige and prominence the Royal Warrant holders can be proud of today. 

One famous 15th century Royal Warrant holder was William Caxton, appointed The Kings Printer in 1476.

Other early Royal Tradesmen included, a "Golffe Club Maker", an "Operator for the Teeth" and a "Royal Mole Taker".


With each new monarch would often come a distinct Shift in the type and style of Warrant holder being appointed. Queen Victoria's list, for example, was surprising in  its exuberance. However, it is not just the changing tastes of the monarchy that are reflected in the list of Warrant holders. Fashion, technology - life itself - have, in certain areas, changed the requirements of the Royal Warrant is held by the companies big and small, traditional and  contemporary as well as both urban and rural based.


The Royal Warrant is granted to a named 
Individual , who must be an executive director
or partner of the company concerned, and who 
is then responsible for ensuring that the 
Warrant is correctly used.

New applicants are considered annually by a 
committee presided over by the Lord Chamberlain.

The final decision to grant a Royal Warrant
of Appointments made by the member of the 
Royal Family concerned. Royal Warrants are 
Normally granted for a period of 5 years.

There are strict rules which govern the use 
and display of the Royal Arms.

To qualify for a Royal Warrant tradesmen must supply the member of the Royal Family concerned, or their Household, with products or services in the significant quantity over a period of at least five years. The Royal Warrant of Appointment has always been a symbol of excellence and quality - much treasured by those to whom is it granted.

THE QUEEN ELIZABETH SCHOLARSHIP TRUST


In 1990 The Royal Warrant Holders Association raised in excess of £700,000 from the membership to mark the 90th Birthday of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother and the 150th Anniversary of the Association. A Charitable trust fund was subsequently established which Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother graciously allowed to be named The Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust. Today the Trust has assets in excess of £2 million.
The aim of the trust is to further the advancement in the UK of modern and traditional crafts and trades by using income from the fund to make cash grants of between £2,000 and £15,000 to individual craftsmen and women.

Past scholars have included; Artist Blacksmith, Antique Clock Restore, Antique Furniture Restorer Baker and Confectioner, Basketmaker, Book Binder, Calligrapher, Chairmaker, Farrier, Glassmaker, Milliner, Painting Conservators, Patchwork Quilter, Portrait Artist, Saddler, Stonemasion, Tailor, Upholsterer, Watchmaker, Weaver, Wooden Boat Builder.

The Trust favours those who have already demonstrated both a talent for and commitment to their trade or craft, have a clear idea about how the award would be used and what it would allow them to achieve, The Scholarship must be spent on "training", which can include; attendance on course and/or seminars, undertaking periods of work experience or apprenticeships, both in the UK or abroad.

The Trust does not award Scholarships for general further education courses, nor to those who have run out of funds before the end of a course nor "in house" training where this should clearly be the responsibility of the employer. Neither does renting or purchase of premises or equipment in connection with setting up a business fall within the scope of the Trust.
further Information mat be obtained from: The Secretary The Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust, 1 Buckingham Place, London SW1E 6HR. Tel 0207 828 2268. Email: info@qest.org.uk
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