Prince William and Kate Middleton just given major new royal roles by King Charles, palace confirms

Kate Middleton and Prince William have been granted a new royal role, and Kate is the first princess of Wales in more than 100 years to be given the honour.

The new royal power will make the couple even more highly sought after by UK businesses for one key reason.

It comes after the pair came under fire for breeding their dog, having been dubbed 'staggeringly out of touch' by PETA for not choosing to adopt a puppy instead.

But there's some good news for the royal couple with this latest development.

The palace has confirmed that thanks to King Charles they will be able to issue royal warrants for next year, making Kate the first princess of Wales to be able to do this since Princess Mary of Teck in 1910.

Ian Patrick is the Private Secretary to the Prince of Wales, said: "Their Royal Highnesses are delighted to be able to recognise and celebrate British industry, creativity and skills through the granting of Warrants."

What are royal warrants?

The Prince and Princess of Wales will be able to grant warrants to companies they use and approve of (Chris Jackson / Staff / Getty Images)

The royal warrants are seen as a seal of approval by the Royal Family and can provide a major boost for any business who receives one.

They are highly coveted acknowledgements of talent, and a sign that the business is approved by the monarchy.

If awarded a grant, the company is given permission to use the Royal coat of arms on its products, packaging, stationery, premises, vehicles and advertising.

Each royal warrant lasts for up to five years at a time.

Previously, Queen Elizabeth, Prince Philip and the Queen Mother had also all granted warrants.

Starting this week, William and Kate will first consider applications from business who have already been granted a royal warrant to renew it, before considering applications from firms who do not have a warrant.

What businesses have been granted a royal warrant?

The King and Queen granted more than 140 warrants to different companies last year.

Some of the businesses to benefit from a warrant in May 2024 include Camel Valley vineyard in Cornwall who produce English sparkling wines; Welsh knitwear manufacturer Corgi Hosiery; and specialist calligrapher London Scribes.

Queen Camilla’s hairdresser Jo Hansford was also granted a warrant, one of only seven warrants awarded by Queen Camilla.

Hansford, who also holds an MBE, said at the time: “It’s a real honour to be granted a Royal Warrant from The Queen, who I have been proud to have had as a client for more than three decades.

“I think it is particularly wonderful that The Queen has awarded it to an all-female owned and run business. It really shows that with grit and determination you can achieve truly incredible things.”

What businesses might Kate Middleton grant royal warrants to?

Fashion brands will be very keen to get a royal warrant granted by Kate Middleton (Pool / Contributor / Getty Images)

Kate is known for regularly causing dresses and designs to sell out within minutes whenever she picks a brand to show off, and certainly boosts their profile.

Remember that stunning red Alexander McQueen coat she wore for the Christmas concert? Or the Issa London wrap dress she wore for her engagement announcement?

It sold out instantly with the brand struggling to keep up with demand.

A Ghost dress she wore on the BBC's Big Night In sold out in just 30 minutes, with the brand donating proceeds to charity.

Many fashion brands will be desperately trying to get a royal warrant from Kate.

It is thought some of her favourite brands could be in the running, including Catherine Walker, Jenny Packham and Erdem.

Potential jeweller recipients include Kiki McDonough, Robinson Pelham and Catherine Zoraida.