As evidenced by the name, Royal Doulton enjoys the distinction of a "Royal Warrant" -- a mark of distinction bestowed upon people or companies who have regularly supplied members of the Royal Family with goods or services. Royal Warrants, regarded as a mark of supreme excellence and quality, cannot be bought or sold. King Edward awarded the first Royal Warrant to Royal Doulton in 1901. The Doulton Company then became The Royal Doulton Company. Presently, the Royal Doulton brand holds two Royal Warrants, the Royal Albert brand holds two Royal Warrants and the Minton brand holds one. Royal Doulton is at the forefront of retail and e-tail with a lifestyle offer that covers the classic and the contemporary, tableware and collectables, oven to tableware, and personal style. Royal Doulton is not only one of the world's oldest chinaware companies -- it's also one of the most up to date.