Walker’s Shortbread has been awarded the Royal Warrant by UK’s King Charles III. The appointment is a testament to the legacy of Sir Jim Walker, his brother Joe and sister Marjorie Walker, who shared a role as Joint Managing Director and developed the business from a small family bakery in Aberlour to a globally recognised brand.
Nicky Walker, Managing Director at Walker’s Shortbread, said: “It is a privilege for Walker’s to be granted a Royal Warrant of Appointment from His Majesty King Charles III for the supply of shortbread and oatcakes to the Royal Household. As an independent, family run business, we are extremely proud to carry the Royal Warrant which is a great honour and we feel is a true mark of recognition for our service and commitment to baking ‘Scotland at its finest’ for over a century. It is particularly poignant to receive the appointment following the very sad passing of my uncle, Sir Jim Walker recently. My uncle, my father Joe and my aunt Marjorie were extremely proud when Walker’s was granted the Royal Warrant for the supply of shortbread and oatcakes to the late Queen Elizabeth II and I know how delighted they would have been by this Appointment from his Majesty King Charles III. This award is testament to their legacy.”
With the same occasion, chocolate maker Cadbury has been dropped from the list of royal warrants for the first time in 170 years, BBC reports.
The Birmingham-based chocolatier was awarded its first royal warrant as chocolate and cocoa manufacturers by Queen Victoria in 1854, but it has lost its royal endorsement under King Charles. Cadbury’s US owners, Mondelez International, said it was disappointed to have been stripped of its warrant.
Companies holding the Royal Warrant of Appointment, granted for up to five years, are recognised for providing goods or services to the monarchy.
Among the King’s new list of warrant holders are many firms selling food and drink, such as Moet and Chandon, Weetabix and chocolate makers Bendicks and Prestat Ltd.
Warrant holders are allowed to use the coat of arms of the royal they are associated with on packaging, as part of advertising or on stationery.