When you're in the public eye, shopping isn't as simple as ducking into the nearest store and picking out something you like, because everything you touch gets scrutinized and promoted based on your selection. And when you're royalty, that gets taken to a whole other level.
Royal Warrants, given to companies that supply royal families with goods and services, have been around for centuries, and are used extensively in nations where monarchy still reigns, such as Denmark and Thailand. In Great Britain, the 850 or so Royal Warrants are considered such a great honour that companies create crests and logos specifically to indicate their coveted position, though the reputation has been tarnished slightly in recent years.
Right now, Royal Warrants can only be handed out by Queen Elizabeth, Prince Philip and Prince Charles -- they expire five years after death, so any company to which the Queen Mother granted a warrant can only now cross their fingers that they'll be loved by the court once again. Or perhaps, by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, whose time to dole out tributes will come when Prince Charles takes the throne.
So which products that we know and love are also used in Buckingham Palace? Check out these options below -- and feel a little bit like royalty the next time you pour yourself a gin and tonic.
Products Fit For Royalty
Aston Martin
You already knew this one, thanks to Wills' smooth moves driving around dad's car after the wedding. Aston Martin was granted the Royal Warrant in 1982 by Prince Charles, though he's currently putting one of his models up for sale.
Heinz
Heinz in Canada means ketchup, but in the UK, it's more often affiliated with beans in a can. They got their Royal Warrant from the Queen in 1951.
Fulton Umbrellas
The Queen understands the importance of keeping her hair intact when it's raining -- as well as still letting the public see her -- so the birdcage umbrellas from Fulton are obvious choice for her royal nod (granted in 2008).
McIlhenny Tabasco Sauce
It might be a staple in Louisiana (and everywhere wings are sold), but McIlhenny Tabasco Sauce also has a spot at Bucking Palace -- the Queen granted the company a Royal Warrant in 2009.
"We're absolutely delighted to know that TABASCO Sauce has a place at Her Majesty's table," said Paul McIlhenny, President and CEO of McIlhenny Company, and fourth generation family member, at the announcement.
Moet et Chandon Champagne
Though Queen Victoria reportedly loved Moet et Chandon champagne back in the 1890s, HM Queen Elizabeth II made it even more official in 1955 with a Royal Warrant. The Royal Household has also approved Diamond Jubilee bottles created just for this year, sold at stores in the UK.
Prestat Chocolates
Another chocolate maker for the Queen, Prestat Chocolates got their Warrant in 1975 -- and are honouring their monarch this year with some truly gorgeous packaging for their Diamond Jubilee Box.
Angostura Bitters
Bitters are currently making waves in the cocktail world, but that trendsetter the Queen has known about their importance since 1955. Angostura Bitters is releasing a special Diamond Jubilee bottle, with £1 from sales going toward the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust.
Asprey Jewellery
Asprey has held Royal Warrants for every monarch since Queen Victoria, including the pearl necklace commissioned for Queen Mary and given to Princess Margaret for her 18th birthday in 1948 (shown here), and was once the place to go for crowns and sceptres. Helen Asprey , a member of the family, is now Kate Middleton's personal private secretary.
Peter Reed
Luxurious linens fit for a queen -- that's apparently what Peter Reed has on offer, with their warrant granted in 2008.
Bulmers Cider
Every Queen must have her cider - Bulmers was originally granted the Warrant in 1911, and renewed in 1955 by the Queen.
Charbonnel et Walker
An official chocolatier of the royals since 1970, when the Queen granted their warrant, Charbonnel et Walker have spread out all over the world. They released this Union Jack Fine Chocolate Selection in honour of the Diamond Jubilee year, as well as the London Olympics.
Carlsberg
Of course the monarchy of Great Britain must have a royal ale. A well-known Royal Warrant holder in Denmark (often called HOF, the Danish word for court). But The Queen also granted Carlsberg UK a Warrant in 1962 -- we can raise a pint to that!
Hunter Boots
Walking through those muddy grounds day after day calls for an official waterproof footwear, which is just the purpose Hunter Boots serve for the royals. Appointed by Prince Philip in 1973, and the Queen in 1987, we wonder how pleased they are at the mass availability of these boots in recent years.
Steinway & Sons Pianos
Steinway & Sons has been making beautiful music with the royal family for over a century, with the first Warrant granted in 1890 by Queen Victoria, with Queen Elizabeth II granting it once again in 1955.
Tanqueray
After her much-publicized 'gin and Dubonnet' preference, it should be no suprise the Queen granted Tanqueray its own Royal Warrant in 1955. She learned this, of course, from her mother, whose note about gin was auctioned off for more than $25,000.
Twinings Tea
Though it hasn't been without its controversy, Twinings Tea has been holding Royal Warrants since 1837 -- and its tea has spread all over the world.
Walkers Shortbread
The easy-to-recognize Scottish shortbread company has held a Warrant since 2002. They're obviously planning to honour her Diamond Jubilee the best way they can -- with a giant image of her face on a tin. We wouldn't have minded the iconic plaid along with it.
Yardley Of London
Both the Queen and Prince Charles are fans of this soap company -- HRH granted them a warrant in 1955, and Prince Charles came around in 1996. Both are said to be fans of the Yardley's lavender products.
Selfridges (Or, Holt Renfrew)
Holt Renfrew was originally given a Royal Warrant when it was a furrier, back in the mid-19th century. Now, owned by George Weston Limited, the same company that owns Selfridges, it's like it has a Royal Warrant by proxy -- after all, Selfridges was given a warrant as a supplier of food and household goods by the Queen in 2001.