The royals' favourite espadrilles: Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle, Sophie Wessex and more

Publish date: 2024-07-28

Espadrilles are one of the easiest shoes to wear - just ask the Princess of Wales, the Duchess of Sussex and the countless other royals who came before them. 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 has always been a fan and is often spotted out wearing a beautiful tan pair by Castañer - and Sophie Wessex has sported various styles, too.

And we can't talk about espadrilles without mentioning Queen Letizia. These royal ladies and their dedication to the Spanish shoe clearly isn't waning. Here's exactly how they style them…

Royals wearing espadrille wedges

Princess Kate
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 and is available to shop at Net-a-Porter.
Meghan Markle
The 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
Hailing 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 - we love her tailored trousers and statement top ensemble.
LK Bennett Maureene Espadrille Wedges
Queen Letizia often wears a pair by Spanish brand Macarena which isn't available in the UK, but we've found a very similar style from royal-favourite brand LK Bennett. Made from soft sand canvas, they have a round toe style with a wedge sole and fasten with cream cotton ties up the leg.
Lady Amelia Windsor
Russell & Bromley COCO-HI Espadrille Wedge
We think Amelia's espadrilles look identical to the Coco-Hi pair from Russell & Bromley. The brand's bestselling wedges are made in Spain from soft white grained calf leather and feature a woven heel cup, gold hardware and a supportive ankle strap, plus a luxurious leather lining.
Sophie Wessex
Sophie Wessex 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.
John Lewis Lloret Suede Espadrille Sandals
With their delicate ankle strap and cream upper, this John Lewis pair is so similar to Sophie's and on sale for £55. Reviews say they're super comfortable.