Cadbury’s has not been granted a royal warrant for the first time in 170 years.
The chocolate brand, a favourite of the late Queen, was among 100 companies which was missing from a list of those granted the globally recognised mark of excellence last week.
In accordance with Royal protocol, Cadbury and the other unsuccessful companies were informed of the decision by letter but were not given a reason why.
It comes months after Ukrainian campaigners wrote to the King calling on him to revoke the award for Cadbury as US parent company Mondelez continues to operate under Vladimir Putin’s regime.
A range of different factors are considered when granting a warrant, which is awarded to companies which provide an ongoing supply of goods or services to the Royal household.
It is understood that Cadbury’s supply to the Royal household has dropped in recent years, particularly since the death of Queen Elizabeth II, who received boxes of her much-loved Bournville every Christmas.
Cadbury’s was first awarded its royal warrant by Queen Victoria in 1854 and retained it under six monarchs – Radharc Images/Alamy Stock Photo
A Royal Warrant of Appointment, granted for up to five years, allows a company to use the Royal Arms in connection with its business.
They are granted by the monarch, and therefore the warrants issued by the late Queen have been reviewed since her death.
Cadbury’s was awarded the title by Queen Victoria in 1854 and held onto the warrant under six monarchs.
But its name was absent from the list of almost 400 companies that the King announced would receive warrants in the latest round.
He kept 386 titles granted by his mother, including Kellogg’s cereal and Moët champagne, the Mail on Sunday reported.
Cadbury’s was awarded the royal warrant by Queen Victoria in 1854 and held onto it under six monarchs. – Jacob King/PA
‘Privilege and honour’
Earlier this year B4Ukraine wrote to the King calling for companies including Bacardi, Nestlé, Unilever and Cadbury to have the award revoked.
Campaigners claimed the companies were indirectly contributing to the Russian war effort by continuing to maintain operations in the country.
“We urge the Royal Family to stand in solidarity with Ukraine by demonstrating that companies contributing to the suffering and devastation in Ukraine will not be bestowed with the privilege and honour of holding a royal warrant,” the campaigners wrote to the Kind ahead of his birthday in June.
“Such a decisive step would not only demonstrate the solidarity of the Royal Family with Ukraine but also convey that the Family does not condone the continued presence of these companies in Russia.”
Whilst Cadbury does not appear on the list, a number of other companies singled out by B4Ukraine have received a warrant in the latest list, including Nestle, Bacardi and Samsung.
Cadbury’s was a favourite of Queen Elizabeth II, who received boxes of her much-loved Bournville every Christmas – Tim Graham Photo Library
It is understood that advice is sought from the Foreign Office before granting the seal of approval to any company that has been criticised for its links to Russia.
Consumer goods giant Unilever, which owns brands such as Marmite, is also missing from the warrants list.
It cut all ties with Russia earlier this year following pressure from campaigners.
Not all 100 companies missing from the list have lost their warrants, some may not have applied, have ceased trading, or had a decision about their application deferred.
A spokesman for Mondelez International said: “Cadbury is a much-loved brand that has been a part of British life for generations and remains the nation’s favourite chocolate.
“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.”
Buckingham Palace said that it does not comment on decisions relating to specific warrants.
