King Charles has stripped Cadbury’s of its Royal Warrant after 170 years, marking a significant shift in the chocolate maker’s historic royal connection.
The prestigious mark of excellence was first awarded to the British confectioner by Queen Victoria in 1854.
The decision comes despite Cadbury’s being a particular favourite of the late Queen Elizabeth II, who regularly received boxes of Bournville chocolate every Christmas.
The removal of the warrant ends a relationship that spanned six monarchs and nearly two centuries of British chocolate-making heritage.
Queen Elizabeth II’s favourite chocolate brand issues first statement since suffering blow from King Charles
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A Cadbury’s spokesman responded to the decision, stating: “Ours is a much-loved brand that has been a part of British life for generations and remains the nation’s favourite chocolate.”
The spokesperson added: “While we are disappointed to be one of hundreds of other businesses and brands in the UK not to have a new warrant awarded, we are proud to have previously held one and we fully respect the decision.”
Almost 400 companies were included in the latest round of Royal Warrants announced this week, with 386 retaining their warrants previously granted by Queen Elizabeth II.
Notable companies maintaining their royal recognition include Kellogg’s cereal and Moet champagne.
Cadbury’s has been stripped of its royal warrant after 170 years
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Several of Cadbury’s confectionery competitors have kept their warrants, including Nestle, upmarket Bendicks of Mayfair, and Prestat, one of London’s oldest chocolate shops.
Around 100 companies lost their warrants in this round, with unsuccessful firms being informed by letter.
As per protocol, no explanations were provided for the decisions.
Palace sources indicate the removal of Cadbury’s warrant reflects a decline in the supply of their products to royal households over recent years.
A tin containing Cadbury’s chocolates, made to celebrate the Coronation of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra in 1902
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The decision aligns with King Charles’s well-known healthy eating habits, with the monarch preferring fruit and fibre-rich seeds over chocolate bars.
However, Palace insiders emphasise that Royal Warrants reflect the consumption patterns of the entire royal household, not just the King’s preferences.
Sustainability is also cited as a key factor in warrant decisions, with this year’s selections showing an increased focus on eco-conscious choices.
The chocolate maker, which produces beloved brands such as Dairy Milk, Roses and Heroes, continues to be one of Britain’s most successful exporters.
King Charles is known for eating a very healthy diet
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The company is currently celebrating its 200th year in business, having originally started manufacturing in Bournville, Birmingham.
Royal Warrants are a prestigious mark of recognition for companies supplying goods or services to the royal household.
The tradition dates back to medieval times when monarchs selected the country’s finest tradespeople.
By the 15th century, the Lord Chamberlain formally appointed tradespeople with Royal Warrants, a practice that continues today.
The Royal Warrant Holders Association was established in 1840 to represent warrant-holding companies.