John Smedley awarded Royal Warrant

British knitwear designer John Smedley has been awarded the Queen's Royal Warrant of Appointment.Royal Warrants mark recognition for companies who have supplied the royal household with goods or services for a minimum of five

years. John Smedley, famous for its merino wool sweaters and sea island cotton polos has been popular with the royals for many years. According to British Vogue, the Queen buys items directly from the brand and has also visited its landmark factory at Lea Mills in Matlock, Derbyshire.

"John Smedley has a proud history of manufacturing the finest Merino wool and Sea Island cotton garments in Great Britain," said the label's managing director, Ian Maclean. "It's fantastic to have such a public acknowledgement of the excellence of our garments."

The company - which is still run by its founding family - has been "appointed into the place and quality of Manufacturer of Fine Knitwear", in recognition of craftsmanship and quality construction. All Royal Warrant holders will take part in a catwalk show in Buckingham Palace in July to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Queen's coronation.

John Smedley was established in 1784. It became one of the earliest companies in the knitwear industry to install one of the first ever ‘Cotton’s Patent’ fully fashioned knitting machines. Last year the company teamed up with Comme des Garcons for a limited edition collection of iconic fine knitwear.

Image: John Smedley