EXCLUSIVE Its SAD-burys! After 170 years, King strips Cadbury of Royal Warrant - despite it being the late Queens favourite chocolate that she would be gifted every Christmas

The King has scrapped Cadbury’s coveted Royal Warrant after 170 years – despite it being his mother’s favourite chocolate.

The late Queen loved Cadbury’s Bournville so much, she received boxes of it every Christmas.

Her great-great-grandmother Victoria had awarded the top British exporter its warrant.

But six monarchs later, it is to lose its globally recognised mark of excellence after the King chose not to renew it, The Mail on Sunday understands.

Almost 400 companies were in the latest round of warrants announced this week, with Charles keeping 386 granted by his mother, ranging from Kellogg’s cereal to Moet champagne. Those unsuccessful, like Cadbury, were told by letter.

As is protocol, the brands were not given a reason why.

The warrants are awarded in recognition of the supply of goods or services to the royal household and senior Royal Family members.

It is understood the supply of Cadbury products to royal households has decreased over several years. The King is also known for his healthy eating, preferring a piece of fruit or fibre-rich seeds over a bar of chocolate.

King Charles (then the Prince of Wales) at a visit ot a chocolate factory. The monarch has scrapped Cadburys royal warrant after 170 years

A bust of King Charles III made entirely of chocolate. Other confectionery brands, including Bendicks and Nestle have retained their warrants

Palace insiders, however, say Royal Warrants reflect the consumption of the entire royal household, not just the King, alongside factors including sustainability.

Consumer goods giant Unilever, which owns brands such as Marmite, is also missing from the list.

But similar brands to Cadbury which still have a warrant include Nestle, upmarket Bendicks of Mayfair, which makes dark mint chocolates, and Prestat, one of London’s oldest chocolate shops. 

More than 100 warrants have gone, although some companies may not have reapplied, may have ceased trading or may have had their application deferred.

Boots, which previously held a warrant from the late Queen, said its warrant was ‘pending’ and had not been rejected.

Palace insiders say Royal Warrants reflect the consumption of the entire royal household, alongside other factors including sustainability

Cadbury, the maker behind classic brands such as Dairy Milk, Twirl and Crunchie, is one of Britains most successful exporters

Cadbury, which makes family favourites such as Dairy Milk, Roses and Heroes, is one of Britain’s most successful exporters. Originally manufacturing in Bournville, Birmingham, it is celebrating its 200th year in business.

A Cadbury spokesman said: ‘Ours is a much-loved brand that has been a part of British life for generations and remains the nation’s favourite chocolate. 

While we are disappointed to be one of hundreds of other businesses and brands in the UK not to have a new warrant awarded, we are proud to have previously held one and we fully respect the decision.’

Buckingham Palace declined to comment.