King Charles III: Chocolates are no longer a purveyor to the court

It is the end of a long tradition: King Charles III. (76) has withdrawn the prestigious Royal Warrant from the British chocolate manufacturer Cadbury, meaning the company will lose the coveted royal seal of quality after 170 years – of all things, the brand whose Bournville chocolate was one of the favorites of the late Queen Elizabeth II (1926-2022). .

Cadbury’s royal history began under Queen Victoria (1819-1901), who was the first monarch to grant the company the title of Royal Warrant. Six generations later, this tradition is now ending under Charles III, who decided against renewal in the current round of awards.

Of a total of 400 companies that applied for a Royal Warrant, 386 received the royal seal – including brands such as Kellogg’s and Moët. Cadbury is one of the most prominent rejections. As palace circles say, the withdrawal of the warrant also reflects the king’s personal preferences: Charles III. is known for his healthy diet and prefers fruit and fiber-rich foods to sweets.

However, insiders emphasize that it is not just the monarch’s preferences that play a role in the awarding of the Royal Warrant. “The awards reflect the consumption of the entire royal household, not just that of the king,” the newspaper quoted a palace official as saying. Sustainability criteria would also be taken into account in the decision.

In a statement, a Cadbury spokesman was diplomatic about the loss: “We are a beloved brand that has been part of British life for generations and remains the nation’s favorite chocolate.” While they are disappointed to be one of hundreds of companies that have not received a new warrant, they are proud to have previously held it and fully respect the decision.

Long-established Cadbury, which celebrates its 200th anniversary this year, will now have to produce its popular products such as Dairy Milk, Roses and Heroes without the royal seal of approval.

In addition to Cadbury, other well-known companies also lost their royal seal, including consumer goods giant Unilever. However, other confectionery manufacturers such as Nestlé, Bendicks of Mayfair and Prestat are still allowed to decorate their products with the coveted quality seal.