A Peerage for Trade: A History of the Royal Warrant

This is the official history of an extraordinary institution—the Royal Warrant. Most of us are aware of the Royal Coats of Arms, which appear on everything from pots of marmalade to the shop fronts of fashionable west end stores. These are the outward signs that whoever displays them is "By Appointment" to the Queen, Prince Philip, the Queen Mother, or Prince Charles. There are some terrific individuals—Reginald de Thunderleigh in 1300; Dr. Schweppe, the 18th century mineral water man; and Mr. Crapper who did Royal WCs. For the book, the author has had access to the archives in London and Windsor Castle, and talked to the Keeper of the Privy Purse, the Master of the Royal Household, and such household names as Mr. Twining of Twinings tea.