Heinz. Cadbury. Coca-Cola. Being household names isn’t the only thing they have in common.
All three were awarded the Royal Warrant, and were able to display the Royal Arms on their products. Following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, these companies – and around 600 more – will have to stop using the Arms.
The Royal Warrant is awarded to companies that supply products and services to the monarch. For some holders, this will be the first time they have found themselves in the situation of potentially having to remove the iconic image from their products.
Businesses will have two years to remove them – unless King Charles decides to reissue the Royal Warrant.
This is just one of the ways businesses will be affected over the coming months by the passing of the Queen.
One of the biggest changes to come in during the next few years will be new currency bearing the head of King Charles. There has even been suggestions that the minting of new coins may see the end of the smaller denominations given the cost of producing them.
For now, all coins and notes in existence will remain legal tender – although there were already plans in place to withdraw paper £20 and £50 notes on September 30, unconnected with recent events.
The Bank of England has said an announcement regarding the change will follow the Queen’s state funeral. It is likely that the new currency will begin circulation with the existing coins and notes gradually being phased out over an extended period.
Similarly, there will be new stamps to supersede the ones showing the Queen’s head. New post boxes will also carry the King’s mark.
Countries across the Commonwealth, including Canada, Australia and New Zealand, will be facing similar transition periods.