Whether it’s the exciting lifestyles they lead or their flawless style, the British Royal family are always hitting the headlines. People are always eager to see their latest outfit choices, with pieces like the ones worn by Kate and Meghan selling out online instantly. The UK isn’t the only country to have such fashionable royals, however.
Here, we take a look at the most regal style icons from around the globe:
- Sweden: Crown Princess Victoria
Crown Princess Victoria is one of the many people who approve of the Duchess of Cambridge’s style. Victoria was photographed in a mini navy pleated dress in 2015, the same one that the Duchess of Cambridge had worn a year prior.
The Princess is renowned for her love of bright colours. At a sustainability awards in August 2017, Princess Victoria decided to wear a cocktail dress from designer Maxjenny. Not only did people want to take her picture, but they wanted a similar dress for their own it seems. Searches of the designer rose by 222% from July to August of the same year.
- United Kingdom: The Duchess of Cambridge
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge is not only loved in the UK but over in America too. Research revealed that she was the most likely to convince American shoppers to purchase a UK brand, the Duchess of Cambridge has built up a loyal fashion following over the years. In fact, her influence on fashion even has its own name — ‘the Kate effect’.
This effect has seen desirability of items increase by 38% among US shoppers, once they have been sported by the Duchess. In October 2018, she rocked up to the Victoria and Albert museum wearing a cute tweed dress. After this appearance, everyone wanted a similar garment! In fact, search volume between September and October for the term ‘tweed dress’ rose by 50%.
- Spain: Queen Letizia
Queen Letizia has recently celebrated her 15th anniversary with King Felipe. Well-loved for her wardrobe of high-street bargains and high-end designers, Queen Letizia’s looks are always enviable and on point. Take it back to King Willem-Alexander’s 50th birthday in The Netherlands for example when she wore a red one-shoulder Stella McCartney cape gown with matching heels. She opted for red again when she attended the state banquet at Buckingham Palace in 2017, turning heads as always.
Much like Meghan, Queen Letizia certainly graces brands with hefty sales upon wearing their garments! As part of her state visit, Letizia wore a beautiful floral skirt from one of her favourite designers, Carolina Herrera. After this appearance, searches for the term ‘Carolina Herrera skirt’ rose by 50% from June to July of the same year.
- Denmark: Crown Princess Mary
Much like Meghan and Catherine, it was a royal wedding that saw Denmark’s Princess Mary gain a upsurge of media attention. Princess Mary is known for her fairy tale dresses, statement dress coats and pillbox hat — often being compared to Jackie Kennedy. Due to her love of fashion, it’s no surprise that other women want to channel her look too. In May 2018, she attended the Copenhagen Concert Hall in Denmark wearing a blouse and pleated skirt by designer Charlotte Eskildsen. The designer would’ve been pleased for this exposure — searches for ‘Charlotte Eskilden’ rose 51% after Princess Mary was spotted wearing the brand.
- United Kingdom: The Duchess of Sussex
There’s no doubt that Meghan is popular with the people. There are 22,000 monthly global searches of the term “Meghan Markle style” — it seems that she’s made some global fashion fans! And of course, we’re all eager to copy her look.
One of the most coveted looks was the silk gown she wore to her after-wedding luncheon. After she was photographed in this look, high-street designers began to replicate the look, knowing that she’d be setting the next trends. Research revealed searches for ‘halter neck dresses’ were up 40% following the royal wedding and the term ‘halter neck tops’ increased 21% week on week as people tried to replicate her look on the special day.
Her dresses are only the tip of the iceberg too. When her stunning engagement ring was making headlines, everyone else wanted to feel like a duchess too. In fact, global search engine data reveals a 50% increase in searches for ‘three stone ring’ from October to November 2017.
There’s certainly something to be said for the Meghan Effect. Following her official engagement announcement, Meghan showed up at a Nottingham event with a tote bag from brand Strathberry. Following this appearance, a 398% increase in searches for ‘Strathberry’ occurred from November to December 2017.
| Royal lady | The look | Increase in searches* |
| Duchess of Sussex | Strathberry tote bag | +398% |
| Queen Letizia | Carolina Herrera skirt | +50% |
| Duchess of Cambridge | Tweed dress | +50% |
| Crown Princess Victoria | Maxjenny | +222% |
| Princess Mary | Charlotte Eskildsen | +51% |
*Comparing global search volume from the month before appearance to the month of.
Stylish Royal Men:
1. Sweden: Prince Carl Philip
This real-life Prince Charming manages to be polished and rugged at the same time. As one of the only members of the royal family to sport a beard, this Swedish prince isn’t afraid to try out something a little different. He’s also known for his impressive collection of bow ties, as well as his assortment of military medals.
2. United Kingdom: Prince William and Prince Harry
Whether he’s all dressed up in his uniform for events or out with Kate and the kids, Prince William always looks the part. His colour palette includes a mixture of greys, whites and blues with touches of red, giving off a regal vibe. His trademark look involves a classic white shirt combined with a tailored navy suit.
Prince Harry prefers to keep things more laid-back and relaxed. Ever since he found love with the Dutchess of Sussex, he has really upped his game in the style stakes, embracing tailored suits and an overall more polished look. He has also discovered his love for the colour green (said to be Meghan’s favourite). This stand-out shade gives an edge to his wardrobe, whilst also complementing his hair colour!
