HISTORY

In 1929, Hardy Brothers of Australia were appointed jewellers by Royal Warrant to His Majesty, King George V. The distinguished Royal Warrant, written from the office of the Privy Purse read:

"These are to certify that by command of the King I have appointed Messrs. Hardy Brothers Ltd., into the palace and quality of goldsmiths and jewellers to his Majesty, to hold the said place so long as shall seem fit to the keeper of the privy purse for the time being. This warrant is granted to Mr. Richard John Hardy trading under the title of Messrs. Hardy Brothers Ltd., given under my hand and seal this 22nd day of July 1929, in the twentieth year of his Majesty's reign."

As holder of the Royal Warrant, Hardy Brothers have served all sovereigns since George V, including the reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II. The circumstances leading to the issuing of the much coveted Warrant were that from the late 1800s Hardy Brothers had been under vice-regal patronage, serving the early Governors of Australia and later the State Governors and Governors-General, and at times, visiting royalty. The originator of the Australian business, John Hardy, worked hard at establishing the right contacts to gain him entree to the Governors' social circles and it paid off handsomely. As well as their personal patronage, the early Governors requested John Hardy's assistance with the presentation of State dinners and receptions at their official residences. Then, in the mid 1920s, Hardy Brothers were invited to supply `Yarralumla', the Canberra home of Australia's Governor-General, with their silver, china and glassware appointments. They have also supplied similar items during the years to the Prime Minister's Canberra residence, The Lodge. One of their early impressive royal commissions as holders of the Warrant was to supply an 18-carat gold cup for the running of the first King's Cup horse race in 1927, now the Queen's Cup.

Members of the Royal family who number among Hardy Brothers' famous customers include Prince Albert, Queen Victoria's consort, Australia's favourite royal Princess Alexandra, and also the late Lord Louis Mountbatten, who while on tour here once wandered into the Sydney store to get his broken watch-chain repaired and to buy a few trinkets. The conspicuous royal figure was hurriedly ushered into a back room and looked after, before any curious crowds could gather.

Queen Elizabeth II owns a magnificent yellow and white diamond wattle brooch, designed and made by Hardy Brothers as a gift from the Australian Government. But it was the Queen's uncle, the late Duke of Windsor, who is perhaps the most remembered of the Royal customers. As Prince of Wales, long before his notorious abdication from the throne to marry Mrs Wallis Simpson, he visited Australia on numerous occasions, often staying at his horse property, Windybanks, outside Tamworth in New South Wales. It was during those brief private visits to his property that the Prince became quite a frequent customer at Hardy Brothers. And history relates that most of the Prince's purchases were gifts for young women friends.

Another of Hardy Brothers historic Royal commissions was to design and supply the gold mallet and trowel for the ceremonious laying of foundations at the site of Australia's Federal capital, Canberra.

What is the Royal Warrant?

Royal Warrants are a mark of recognition to people or companies who have regularly supplied goods or services for at least five years to certain members of the Royal Family. They have always been regarded as a mark of excellence and quality, and are highly prized.

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