Cadbury has lost its royal warrant, held for 170 years, after it was snubbed by King Charles.

The chocolatier was first given royal endorsement in 1854, by Queen Victoria. Queen Elizabeth II was also said to be a big fan of chocolate.

However the chocolate giant, famous for its Dairy Milk brand, has been dropped from the royal warrant list for the first time in 170 years.

Cadbury owner Mondelēz International said it was “disappointed”. The loss means that the Royal Arms will have to be removed from its packaging.

Cadbury is not alone in losing its royal seal, as 100 other companies had their title removed by the King. These include Unilever, which owns brands including Marmite, Walls, and Hellmann’s.

The latest list, which shows that 400 companies have received the royal warrant this year, has been published by Buckingham Palace’s Royal Warrant Holders Association.

Royal warrants, which have been awarded since the 15th century, indicate formal recognition that a company supplies products or services to the royal household.

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The reason for sudden the removal of the royal title is not known. Other chocolate companies, such as Nestle, which owns Milkybar and Smarties, have retained their warrants.

Cadbury said: “Cadbury is a much-loved brand that has been a part of British life for generations, and remains the nation’s favourite chocolate.

“Whilst we are disappointed to be one of hundreds of other businesses and brands in the UK to not have a new warrant awarded, we are proud to have previously held one, and we fully respect the decision.