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Samsung is boasting about achieving the Royal Warrant from the royal family, thanks to proudly providing stacks of televisions and AV equipment to our stuck-up ruling elite over the past few years.
Samsung says it’s actually been the “official provider of TVs to the royal family” since 2006, with the royals managing to get through over 100 top-spec Samsung models in that time. Samsung’s also been providing a “royal family service team” that’s available 24 hours a day, ready to leap into action when Charlie can’t find his remote or Camilla can’t get the right AV channel for her Wii.
According to the UK monarchy’s web site, the Royal Warrant is granted to “people or companies who have regularly supplied goods or services for a minimum of five consecutive years to The Queen, The Duke of Edinburgh or The Prince of Wales,” so we can only assume that top UK royals are big fans of Sammy displays. [Samsung Tomorrow]
That’s it – I’m boycotting all Samsung product. Wait – I don’t have any Samsung gear. I’ll just continue as before then.
Why? Without Samsung they would have to buy their own TVs driving up their already massive bill to the tax payer.
And 100 TVs in 5 years? The queen isn’t that careless with the wiimote, you can bet a couple found their way to the staff.
A Royal Warrant doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re giving stuff for free though does it? I thought it just meant that they were recognised as the supplier of stuff to the royal family? (Although a promotional shot of Lizzie and Phil on the sofa in curlers and dressing gown wearing 3D specs would be hilarious…)
“Warrant-holding firms do not provide their goods or services free to the Royal households, and all transactions are conducted on a strictly commercial basis.” quote form the UK monarchy website linked in the article. I don’t see any suggestion that the TV or services have been provide free. I am sure you have some source that says there free you wouldn’t just have made part of you story up.
“stuck-up ruling elite”
Good to see that unbiased reporting is a staple of Gizmodo.
I’d like to point out that some people have a sense of respect for our history, and that kind of comment shows unbelievable ignorance.
For one, I’d point out that the monarch hasn’t had an effective ruling role in over 150 years, she is simply a diplomatic figurehead, so to refer to them as the ruling elite shows complete ignorance of how our political system works. I’d also point out that in her role she works an insane number of days a year, I can’t remember the number, but it’s almost every day, I recall reading she had 380 odd engagements in 2009 (but that could be wrong). Bear in mind she’s 85.
That’s just the queen, Prince Phillip has a similar workload, but with his recent health issues has been forced to cut it down. Much to his dismay. As does Charles.
While they may appear entitled and irrelevant they actually provide a MASSIVE boost to our country on so many levels, diplomatically, publicly, and through tourism (why else would anyone go to london but for the rich history?). Even minor royals are required to act as envoys to other countries.
Yeah I don’t like that comment either.
We should all be proud of our monarchy and actually the queen is pretty damn modest and does more than most celebrities for her country and humanity as a whole.
They also soak up loads of taxpayer money.
You should watch this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhyYgnhhKFw&list=PL87DB3F7E8107A4AE&index=19&feature=plpp_video
Thank you for that I was just about to post it and make those blathering about how much they cost get a clue :L
“They also soak up loads of taxpayer money.”
About 60p per person per year, I don’t know about you but I have probably lost more money over the course of the year in pennies. If the royal family was classified as a government department, it would be the only one that actually makes money from the taxpayer investment.
“I’d point out that the monarch hasn’t had an effective ruling role in over 150 years”
Yes and No, while the Queen and previous heads of state have not wielded their power, they still have absolute control (for instance in the 60′s she put in a minority government against the vote of the public). She instead influences the decisions on laws in more “discrete” ways. I’d also like to point out that every law has to be passed through the Queen.
Gizmodo, I would have excepted such bias from the likes of CNET, not you.
I agreed with you up until the bias part.
If we calculate, how much in return we get from tourism alone just because of the royals or their “added value” when a tourist considers visiting this country. They are probably making money for England.
Who said Gizmodo was unbiased? This is a blog site. The writers can say what they like. It’s not stopping you from being a Factotum of the Stuck-up ruling elite is it? Don’t worry, I’m sure Madge doesn’t read Gizmodo, she wont be offended.
Well I’ll tell you Mr. Robot, sir, that her Majesty and I have spoken not 10 minutes ago. She is hurt by his comment and was all like “Show him to me and I’ll cut his face”.
Well, naturally I had to calm her down! I was all like “Lizzie, dude, calm the fuck down!”
It was great, we had a good time.
My issue with the comment is that it is completely unfounded and irrelevant to the rest of the article. In fact, if you don’t like the monarchy, then why would you write about Samsung obtaining a royal warrant (hardly big news, I once held one for being a total badass and pulling off a backflip on my micro scooter in the ballroom at Windsor).
Also, Dotter, The royal family cost us as a nation 40 million a year. The revenue from lands owned by the monarchy (which goes straight to the government) is 200 million. That doesn’t include any other income they generate through their diplomatic ties or trade agreements.
Kauzion, I completley agree, she has devoted her entire life to serving our country (no politician can say that!) and has done so with a smile. I don’t think you could find a better role model (apart from the face cutting thing, we’re trying to wean her off that).
well said that man!
I’m sure plenty of people have been offended by the shit Prince Philip has come out with, so one small snarky line is fair, surely?
Wham – right between the eyes. I thought I was being diplomatic. Nice…
Hahaha, oh Philip, will you ever learn?
No he won’t learn – The Guy is pretty much trapped in a ‘last century mentality’ I mean, he shot Tiger and Lion and Elephant, for fun. NO EFFING EXCUSE FOR THAT! He’s a relic of the past – an embarrassing one at that.
To be fair the Tiger and Elephant were talking smack about his mother.
No excuse for killing the Lion though. I can’t agree with blood sports.
Yeah – you speak singularly – He shot dozens of African animals for fun (Sport), probably Rhino also. I wonder if he feels contented with his lifes work, now he’s dodging a coffin.I can’t think of one single contribution to the human cause, his privileged meaningless life, has brought.
Well he established the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme – I never did it, but I know some people who did and loved it.
Fascinating – 90 years of total freedom and incredible human resources at your disposal and they come up with that? I’m humbled at by his efforts.
You can bring as much sarcasm as you want, but you said you couldn’t think of a single contribution and I provided you with one.
I don’t recognise it – simple – not debatable – end of replies also. Tedious
I think Philip’s worth the 60p a year on his own, just in comedy value. But figure that we could get it down under 50p by getting rid of all those irritating minor leaches I am opposed to the idea of a monarchy simply because of it’s non-democratic origins and theological underpinnings. However if we had a democratically elected head of state I’d probably vote for Liz over the bunch of ex-political leaders most other countries end up with.
Yeah, but he usually only makes comments that are mildly racist about foreigner, and being foreign they don’t know any better. But this comment is about our monarchy!!
Exactly, if they don’t want to be mocked, then they should be born white, upper class and English! It’s their own Damn fault!
Of course he himself, being Greek, IS a bloody foreigner.
That is what makes it all ok, he can do it because doesn’t know any better.
Impeccable logic. You can’t argue with that.
The prince, a Greek?! This simply shant believe it!
Next you’ll be telling me he’s a lesbian!
I for one, appreciate Mr. Cutlack’s humour and perspective on the monarchy.
Ooh… did someone sneak in a maximum-cluster-reply fix Ms. Hannaford?
p.s. I know i’ve not been on much, but maximum respect on all the work/improvents on gizmodo.
Hah, got it in one, Tokes. And thanks! We’ve been super busy behind the scenes, but I’m pleased I can finally get my hands back into writing posts and stuff — for the meantime, anyway
Hope all’s well with you and the wedding plannin’!
Oooh o.O think we may have got our wires crossed. ‘Tis not I who will be surrendering my soul. ‘Tis my best mate. I’m just stuck with best-man duty.
Suffice it to say, i shall be more active as of April
Drama and trollin!
Whoop! I shall circle the whole month of April as the Drama, Trollin’ ‘n Ting month!