November 2004
Taking the Crisp
The Royals have been in communication with the Lord Chamberlain's office following the introduction of a brand of crisps called, "Crisps for Snobs" by Jonathan Crisp.
The crisp packet containing horseradish and sour cream flavour crisps displays a somewhat unkind representation of Princess Anne featuring her characteristic headscarf and toothy smile. In addition the snack is described as "a bracing British crisp with delightfully eccentric tastes", and "impeccably groomed, tastefully turned out and packed with acres of oomph".
Paul Saxby, a director of the crisp firm, admitted there was a resemblance to Princess Anne, however he also said, "We don't want to offend anyone. It is all just a bit of fun. I'd be delighted to send her a box for Christmas to see what she thinks".
However, a Royal Spokesman has made clear that the Royals do not think it is funny and have said they will be asking the company to stop using this particular caricature, explaining that, "unless the product has a royal warrant, the company should not be using the image."
BRIFFA Comment:
There are no specific provisions protecting the Royals in this regard, however they could try to bring a claim in passing off, as Eddie Irvine did successfully against Talk Sport not too long ago. However, the Princess may come under difficulty in proving that a significant number of the general public believed that the crisps were "endorsed, recommended or approved" by her.