Why do some products have this on?

Question

Some things i have noticed have a small 'crest' on, with the words: "by appointment to her majesty queen elizabeth II manufacturers of......." followed by whatever that company makes. Why do some things have this and what does it mean?

Answer 1

Royal Warrants of Appointment have been issued for centuries to those who supply goods to a royal court or certain royal personages. In the United Kingdom, grants are currently made by three members of the British Royal Family to companies or tradespeople who supply goods and services to individuals in the family. The warrant enables the supplier to advertise the fact that they supply to the royal family, so lending prestige to the supplier. Warrants are currently granted for the Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh and the Prince of Wales. Warrants issued by the Queen Mother automatically expired five years after her death in 2002. Several other royal families allow tradespeople to advertise royal patronage, including the ruling dynasties of the Netherlands, Denmark, Thailand, and Sweden.

Some 800 individuals and companies, including a few non-UK companies, hold more than 1,100 warrants to the British Royal Family. Suppliers must have had a trading relationship with an individual in the family for at least five years before they can be considered for a warrant. Warrants are awarded at the discretion of the Lord Chamberlain, acting as the chairman of the Royal Household Tradesmen's Warrants Committee. Warrants are awarded for renewable terms of five years, though they can be revoked at any time; some warrants have been held for more than 100 years. Goods need not be for the use of the grantor. Cigarettes were only bought for the use of guests for example, but these warrants were cancelled in 1999 as a matter of public policy.

Suppliers continue to charge for their goods and services — a warrant does not imply that they provide goods and services free of charge. The warrant is typically advertised on company hoardings, letter-heads and products by displaying the coat of arms of the Queen or Duke of Edinburgh or the badge of the Prince of Wales as appropriate. Underneath the coat of arms will usually appear the phrase "By Appointment to..." followed by the title and name of the royal customer, and then what goods are provided. No other details of what is supplied may be given.

Answer 2

That is called a Royal Warrant. Three people can issue them: The Queen, Prince Philip and Prince Charles. The late Queen Mother could also.

A royal warrant is granted to firms and craftsmen who are regular suppliers to the Court or the individual named.

There are about 400 companies who have earned royal warrants. There is also an association of warrant holders who police themselves to ensure standards are maintained. The warrants are reviewed every five years.

Answer 3

Probably not much.  From what I understand it just means that the vendor has, at some time or another, sold something to the palace.