History

The Royal Warrant Holders Association Medal was instituted by Queen Victoria in 1897. The Medal is presented to personnel who have been granted the Royal Warrant in recognition of service provided to the royal family. The Medal may be worn during formal occasions held by the Royal Warrant Holders Association. The Medal fell into disuse between 1946 and 1977 due to a shortage of silver.

The Medal is available for purchase only by Royal Warrant holders.

There are multiple versions of the Medal which differ by design and composition. Silver, Silver-gilt and Gold Versions of the Medal exist. Until 1911, the Medal was presented in Silver and Silver-gilt to all members of the association. After 1911, the Medal was issued in Silver-gilt and Gold to council members. Special versions of the Medal have also been issued in commemoration of Royal Jubilees. In 1897, a Silver Medal was issued in commemoration of the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria. A new version of the Medal was struck again in 1977 to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, which features the dates "1952-1977" inscribed on the obverse and a depiction of the royal arms on the reverse. A Silver-gilt and Gold Medal was later issued in 2002 in commemoration of the Golden Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, which also features a reverse depiction of the royal arms. Since 2003, the Medal has been awarded in silver. Medals issued from the reign of Queen Victoria until the reign of King George VI feature a ring suspension with a surmounting Imperial crown while Medals issued since 1977 feature a ring suspension with a surmounting Tudor crown.

No Medals were issued during the reign of King Edward VIII, but unnamed examples are known to be in existence.

There may be additional versions of the Medal. It is uncertain if the Medal is awarded in different grades.