A FIBRE for which Bradford was once globally renowned frequently takes centre stage at regal occasions and celebrations.

Overseas competition contributed to the demise of the city’s textile trade, but its growth in popularity during recent years has led to wool experiencing a resurgence and that is, in part, down to its Royal seal of approval.

Prince Charles has long championed this natural fibre as the patron of Campaign for Wool, launched in 2010 to promote the product on a global platform.

His son, Prince William, sported a wedding suit made from fabric sourced close to Bradford, one-time wool capital of the world.

The Royal family have had a long association with Pudsey-based Hainsworth, whose scarlet cloth is regularly seen on parade worn by the Queen’s Guards.

Hainsworth was also awarded the Royal Warrant for supplying the Queen with interior fabrics for Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle.

The firm, which is one of the oldest and most prestigious woollen mills in Europe, also has close connections to the Duchess of Cambridge, having absorbed part of her great grandmother, Olive Lupton’s business, William Lupton & Co, which produced under collar meltings, into its business in 1958.

As a cherished piece of Scarlet & Argent heritage, the Lupton family crest is the inspiration for a Scarlet & Argent blanket.

And, to commemorate the birth of the latest addition to the Royal family, the company recently sent a cashmere teddy bear from its Scarlet & Argent collection to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s baby daughter, Princess Charlotte.

Tom Hainsworth, managing director of Hainsworth, says: “We are delighted to hold a Royal Warrant as it is a sign of quality. Wherever we go in the world – and particularly in the Far East – the Royal Warrant is seen as a sign of the highest British quality.

“The royal seal of approval is important but there are also other reasons why wool is enjoying a resurgence. An increasing number of exciting British fashion and interior designers are approaching us. They want to work with us because they love the fabrics we produce and they know that wool is such an exciting natural fabric with wonderful drape, structure and durability.”

The company is a supporter of the Campaign for Wool, regularly participating in events. “The campaign is excellent for raising awareness about the unique benefits and versatility of wool in modern life. It is an extremely relevant fabric for modern living,” adds Mr Hainsworth.

Princess Charlotte made her debut public appearance outside St Mary’s Hospital, London, wrapped in a scalloped-edged pure wool shawl. It is understood that Princess Charlotte’s brother, Prince George, was also presented with a shawl from Nottingham-based G H Hurt and Son.

With a growth in demand for wool, such high profile appreciation is bound to be good for companies such as G H Hurt and Son and others involved in manufacturing and promoting this niche product.

Mr John Lambert, secretary of the Bradford Textile Society, says: “It is very encouraging that there is now a resurgence and interest in wool. There is a bit of a resurgence and interest in all things that are natural, local and have some tradition and heritage and wool ticks all those boxes.”

Mr Lambert also welcomes the profile for smaller, craft-based companies. “It is also very encouraging to see this move back to smaller companies both in terms of manufacture and at retail as well,” he adds.

Ian Hartley, chief executive of the Campaign for Wool, says the wool industry was once hit hard but is now coming back and the campaign has proved extremely beneficial in promoting wool around the world.

“We have got most, if not all of the major retailers within the UK involved in Wool Week in October. It has also been taken to 17 other countries who are having Wool Weeks; the States, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Korea, South Africa, Holland, Germany. So from a relatively small beginning within the space of five years it has grown considerably and it is supported by all the major wool producing countries,” says Mr Hartley.

He says there is a particular push with the ultra fine merino wool for baby wear and sportswear because of its versatile properties.

“It regulates temperature and it has proved to be a very good next-to-the-skin product,” explains Mr Hartley.

“With HRH Prince Charles as head of the campaign, he has given us a fantastic profile in major markets. There is a great interest in our Royal family and so his involvement, and their involvement, has been very beneficial to the campaign,” concludes Mr Hartley.