Which royals' style are we trying to steal?

When it comes to the most talked about royals, it’s usually those from the British royal family who steal the limelight. On the European catwalk though, a few of the other royal ladies deserve a look in. These duchesses and princesses not only look fabulous when they step out of the palace, but they’re giving all of us some fashion inspiration too.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, England

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.

Understandably, one of her most memorable looks to date was her stunning silk gown that she wore following the luncheon after her wedding. 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.

It's not only her outfits that have caused a storm either. When sparkling wedding rings were 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.

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.

Queen Letizia, Spain

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.

Also 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.

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, England

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’.

It’s not only the UK nation that appreciate her either, when she wears an item of clothing or an accessory, it reportedly increases the desirability among 38% of US shoppers. 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%.

Crown Princess Victoria, Sweden

There’s no denying that Crown Princess Victoria has her own style, but even she has succumbed to "the Kate effect". Victoria was photographed in a mini navy pleated dress in 2015, the same one that the Duchess of Cambridge had worn a year prior.

Her wardrobe is recognisable by the vibrant colours and bright prints. 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.

Crown Princess Mary, Denmark

Following her picturesque wedding to Prince Frederik in 2004, Princess Mary has been thrown into the spotlight.

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.

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.

Georgie White is copywriter on behalf of Projected Image.