In spite of his success in Australia, Lobb wanted to manufacture for London society so he exhibited his footwear at the 1862 International Exhibition, winning the sole gold medal awarded to an Australian entry. He followed this coup by speculatively making a fine pair of riding boots for the Prince of Wales which he had delivered with a request to be appointed bootmaker to the prince. Remarkably this bold approach was successful and a royal warrant was issued on the 12th October 1863, whereupon he sold his Sydney shop, took passage to England with his apprentice Frederick, temporarily leaving his wife and children in Sydney.