Cadbury Loses Royal Warrant After 170 Years Under King Charles III

For the first time in 170 years, British chocolate maker Cadbury has lost its royal warrant following King Charles III’s review of the list of warrant holders. The decision comes as part of the first review under his reign since his accession in September 2022.

A Longstanding Royal Association

Cadbury, first awarded a royal warrant by Queen Victoria in 1854, has been a staple in British households and was reportedly a favorite of the late Queen Elizabeth II. The royal warrant is a prestigious mark of recognition, allowing companies to display the royal arms and signifying a guarantee of quality.

However, Cadbury was notably absent from the updated list of 386 warrant holders, which was published by the Royal Warrant Holders Association.

Campaigns and Controversies

The decision to revoke Cadbury’s warrant coincides with calls from groups like B4Ukraine, which earlier urged the king to strip companies still operating in Russia of their royal endorsements. Mondelez International, Cadbury’s parent company, was specifically mentioned, along with other firms like Bacardi, Nestlé, and Unilever.

While some companies retained their warrants, not all removals were tied to activism or controversy. In some cases, businesses ceased trading or did not reapply for the warrant.

Cadbury’s Response

A Mondelez spokesperson expressed disappointment at losing the warrant but acknowledged the decision:

“Whilst we are disappointed to be one of hundreds of other businesses and brands in the UK to not have a new warrant awarded, we are proud to have previously held one, and we fully respect the decision.”

The spokesperson emphasized Cadbury’s role as a cherished part of British culture and its position as the nation’s favorite chocolate.

A Shift in Royal Standards?

The royal warrant review reflects changing priorities under King Charles III’s reign. While Buckingham Palace refrains from commenting on individual decisions, the revisions highlight the evolving relationship between the royal household and businesses.