Royal Warrant holders are a league apart. To hold a Royal Warrant is an endorsement of excellence; a coveted mark of recognition giving kudos and status in the business world. It indicates that the holder has regularly supplied goods or services to the royal household and it is granted for up to five years at a time.
The Royal Warrant Holders Association was founded in 1840 to represent individuals and companies holding Royal Warrants, but the venerable heritage of this endorsement has its roots in mediaeval times. Back then, tradespeople would compete for royal favour, the monarch having the pick of the best. In the fifteenth-century the then Lord Chamberlain, the head of the royal household, appointed royal tradespeople with the first Royal Warrants – a practice that continues thus to this day.
In the eighteenth-century tradespeople with a Royal Warrant began displaying the royal coat of arms on their premises and letterheads – this system still continues and the devices are now also seen on packaging, websites and delivery vehicles.Nationally, there are currently more than 800 Royal Warrant holders. I recently chatted to those who have bases on home turf, here in Somerset.
It’s no surprise that Emorsgate Seeds is the kind of company close to the King’s heart. Founded in 1980 by Donald MacIntyre, this family firm produces wild seeds for ecological restoration and the rejuvenation of Nature because ‘we love Nature and growing native seeds helps to restore the wild’.
Starting in the unlikely setting of London’s East End wastelands, ‘where all manner of interesting weeds were growing’ Donald started gathering wild seeds. Now, more than 800 acres is dedicated to wild seed production, with Emorsgate’s 300 Somerset acres at Langridge being augmented by a further 450 acres in Norfolk, as well as other pockets of land. ‘All those acres are growing wild seed,’ Donald tells me, ‘and we also travel the whole country harvesting seeds from farmers’ meadows that have been spared the plough and the sprayer.’
The Emorsgate family describe themselves as ‘on a mission to bring about monumental change, breathing life into restoration projects’. Futureproofing is also at the forefront of their mission, their seeds having genetic variation to ensure an adaptability to changing environments and climates.‘We have supplied native seeds to the household of the former Prince of Wales for 15 years,’ says Donald, ‘and we hope to continue to be of service to the royal household.’ He describes the moment when he learned that Emorsgate’s Royal Warrant had been renewed by the King.‘My daughters were visiting when the post lady called one Friday to deliver the letter from Buckingham Palace. It was good news! We celebrated with cake and champagne!’
OLIVER & LANG BROWN
Oliver and Lang Brown, a firm of forestry managers and contractors based near Bruton, is another company whose environmental credentials align with those of the King. Working with native broad-leaved tree species, much of their work involves caring for previously under-managed woodlands, undertaking replanting schemes for felled areas, establishing new planting projects (some with funding through the Forestry Commission) and the creation of native hedgerows.Owner, Peter Munford, tells me that his company has ‘worked at Highgrove since 1980, planting hedges and trees together with follow-up maintenance and general woodland operations. ‘Our original Royal Warrant was granted in 1989 for the then Prince of Wales, and when he acceded to the throne, we were delighted to be given the opportunity to apply for a Royal Warrant to him as King.’
Julian and Isabel Bannerman, of Bannerman Designs, have been working together to design gardens and garden buildings since 1983. They are based at Mudford, near Yeovil.
‘We’re a very small studio set up,’ they tell me. ‘We work together, with help from various freelancers and contractors with whom we have worked for many years. We try to make gardens for people to live in and enjoy, with an eye always to simplicity, biodiversity and ecology, coupled with a dash of romantic theatricality.’
Since that meeting Julian and Isabel have created the dramatic-looking, wildlife-rich stumpery at Highgrove, as well as the woodland garden. They have also constructed rustic buildings at Dumfries House in Scotland, an eighteenth-century stately pile in 2,000 acres, home to a nationally important collection of furniture, which went for auction in 2007. It was bought by the King to save it for the nation.‘We were very proud and surprised to receive the Royal Warrant,’ they tell me. ‘It’s always been an honour and a pleasure to work for the King.’
Carbon Gold is based in North Somerset and was founded in 2007 by Dan Morrell, founder of the Carbon Neutral Company, and Craig Sams, founder of Green & Blacks chocolate. Carbon Gold aims to enhance soil health and support sustainable agriculture with its organically certified product, biochar. Sue Rawlings is their Managing Director; she explains more: ‘Biochar is a form of charcoal that improves soil fertility and carbon storage, thereby helping to mitigate climate change by sequestering carbon dioxide,’ she says. ‘Carbon Gold’s products range from peat-free composts, soil and substrate enhancers, to tree care mixes, all enhanced with UK-sourced biochar. They are designed to naturally enrich soil biology, improve plant health, and increase crop yields, while reducing the need for chemical fertilisers and pesticides.’
Sue explains that, by enhancing soil structure and water retention, biochar-based products help to build resilient agricultural ecosystems capable of withstanding the pressures of climate change, another example of the King’s desire to support businesses that think ahead in terms of the environment. Carbon Gold caters to a diverse market, including home gardeners, horticulturists, landscapers, and large-scale agricultural operations, promoting the use of biochar as a cornerstone for organic and regenerative farming practices.
Carbon Gold began supplying its biochar products to the King when he was Prince Charles. ‘The King has been a prominent advocate for environmental issues and organic agriculture for decades and his commitment to sustainability aligns well with Carbon Gold’s mission and products,’ says Sue. ‘Supplying to the King represents a natural collaboration, where our products could be used in the royal estates and gardens, showcasing the practical benefits of biochar in promoting soil health and sustainability on a high-profile platform.’
I ask what it felt like to be listed as one of the prestigious royal suppliers.‘Receiving a Royal Warrant has been a tremendous honour for us at Carbon Gold,’ replies Sue. ‘It validates our efforts in promoting organic and regenerative agricultural practices, aligning perfectly with King Charles’ well-known commitment to sustainability and the environment. This accolade not only boosts our credibility but also strengthens our resolve to continue our work, enhancing our reputation within the UK and around the world. It's a source of immense pride and encouragement.’
All these companies work to find sustainable ways forward, methods that are ‘part of the solution’. Their Royal Warrant accolade is well-deserved. Congratulations to them all.
