Espadrilles are the unofficial shoe of the royals. You only have to look at snaps of Princess Kate, Meghan Markle and Queen Letizia for proof that the classic shoe type hits the right note for a number of occasions, from elegant royal tours to more casual summer soirees.
Kate has long been a fan and is often spotted out wearing a beautiful tan pair by Castañer. And I can't talk about espadrilles without mentioning Queen Letizia either.
First made popular by Yves Saint Laurent in the 1970s, they're effortlessly elegant and suitable for day or night, so it's no wonder they remain a hit season after season.
- Princess Kate's espadrilles: Castañer Carina 80 Suede Wedge Espadrilles, £145 / $165
- Duchess Meghan: Castañer Carina 80 Canvas Wedge Espadrilles, £100 / $150
- Queen Letizia: Toni Pons Espadrilles, £64.92 / $129
- Duchess Sophie: Penelope Chilvers Suede Espadrilles, £149 / $245
These royal ladies and their dedication to the Spanish shoe clearly isn't waning. Here's exactly how they style them…
The Princess of Wales
© Getty ImagesPrincess Kate is often spotted in her trusty Castañer Carina wedge espadrilles - pictured here on her royal tour of the Caribbean in March 2022. I love them styled with Rixo's sell-out Izzy midi dress in pink zebra print.
Castañer Carina 80 Suede Wedge Espadrilles
Chic, comfortable and versatile, it's no surprise the Princess of Wales loves them. Castañer's signature wedge was launched in the early 70s, when Lorenzo and his wife Isabel created the first ever pair for Yves Saint Laurent. Handmade in Spain from velvety suede, Kate's camel Carina version fastens with delicate ties.
Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex
© GettyThe Duchess of Sussex looked gorgeous in a printed monochrome wrap dress and her Castañer Carina wedges while in Cape Town on the first official day of her 2019 royal tour. She's previously styled them with a colourful printed maxi dress by Figue in 2018.
Castañer Carina 80 Canvas Wedge Espadrilles
Meghan's wedges are very similar to Kate's but in black canvas rather than suede and with wider ribbon ties.
Queen Letizia of Spain
© GettyHailing from her native Spain, it's perhaps no surprise Queen Letizia has one of the most impressive espadrille collections of all the royals. From white canvas to tan leather, the stylish Spanish monarch has a pair to complement every outfit and she always looks incredible. Letizia proves espadrilles don't just pair perfectly with summer dresses, having been snapped wearing them with trousers, eveningwear and casual outfits too. Here she's wearing a pair from Toni Pons, a brand handcrafted in Spain.
Toni Pons Julia Wedge Espadrille
© Toni PonsQueen Letizia often wears a pair by Spanish brand Macarena which isn't available in the UK, plus from Spanish brand Toni Pons. Made from soft sand canvas, they have a round toe style with a wedge sole and fasten with cream cotton ties up the leg.
Sophie, The Duchess of Edinburgh
© GettySophie is another royal lady who loves her espadrilles. In 2019 she was pictured looking lovely wearing a Penelope Chilvers pair with a midi dress by Suzannah London while in Beirut.
Penelope Chilvers Mary Jane Suede Espadrille
With their delicate ankle strap and cream upper, this John Lewis pair is so similar to Sophie's, and reviews say they're super comfortable. They're also available in black and rose.
