7 brands British royals buy that you too can afford
It’s not all luxury cars and high jewellery for the royal family; a surprising number of treats they prefer are available to all for an affordable price
Even if you aren’t one of the lucky few to be invited to the wedding of Britain’s Prince Harry and actress Meghan Markle, there are still ways to feel like a member of the royal family.
Britain’s royals are highly selective about the brands they buy, and issue an official seal – called a royal warrant – to businesses preferred by the family. There are only around 800 outfits holding royal warrants today.
“Royal warrants, which have been issued by the British royal family since the 15th century, are a mark of distinction for companies who have provided goods and services for at least five years to Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip or Prince Charles,” The New York Times explains.
While the list includes luxury jewellers, custom hat makers and Bentley Motors, not all of the royals’ favourite businesses cater to only the wealthy. Here are seven affordable gifts, splurges and treats sold by companies stamped with the royals’ approval.
1. Luxury socks
Corgi Hosiery has been making socks since 1892, and was awarded a royal warrant in 1989 by Prince Charles. Queen Elizabeth II and her son Charles are both fans of the brand, where socks range in price from US$22 to US$209 (for pure cashmere). In 2014, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, William and Kate, were photographed with their son, Prince George, in a Corgi jumper.
Elizabeth is a lover of corgi dogs, and socks from Corgi are available with a pattern of the pups for US$35.