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The Duchess of Sussex is reportedly inundated with publishers desperate for her to write a tell-all memoir – but would anyone actually want to read it?

There is much speculation that Meghan will release her own version of ‘Spare’ (Image: Getty)

Meghan Markle could be about to put pen to paper on her highly anticipated memoir – but a bombshell new poll suggests it may not fly off the shelves.

The royal could bank “tens of millions” as publishing houses fight to secure her signature, as it is thought the Duchess of Sussex can provide “an insight into the royals that no one else can share”.

However, thousands of Brits have said they are not interested in what she has to say.

In a poll for the Mirror, readers were asked “Would you read Meghan Markle’s tell-all memoir?”. In numbers that would alarm 43-year-old Meghan, 7,324 said agreed with a savage four-word statement: “I’m not reading that.”

Prince Harry’s memoir Spare earned him millions of pounds (Image: Getty)

Of those asked 295 responded that “they’d be fascinated by it”, while 124 remained undecided.

Her memoir would be expected to send yet move shockwaves through the royal household, after Prince Harry’s tell-all book Spare.

His book, which came out in 2023, made a series of sensational claims, including about scuffles with Prince William and his relationship with King Charles.

Meghan Markle has been stepping out alone of late (Image: Getty)

Nobody yet knows what Meghan’s memoir will hold, but some royal readers may expect her to delve into which member of the family questioned what colour her first child Archie’s skin would be.

The Sussexes made the sensational claim during an interview with Oprah Winfrey, sparking outrage back in the UK.

Whether or not Meghan does decide to write a memoir, it appears plenty of Brits aren’t all that bothered.

“I wouldn’t read anything by her or him”, said one Mirror reader.

Another, Jane Powell said: “There will be more truth in a Barbara Cartland.”

While a third, Russ Biker added: “Not into that kind of fiction.”

Queen Elizabeth II “saw through Meghan Markle” a source close to the family has controversially claimed.

Queen Elizabeth II “saw through Meghan Markle” claims source (Image: Getty)

Just one month before her passing, the late Queen Elizabeth II allegedly made a savage comment about Meghan Markle during a drinks reception at Balmoral Castle in August 2022.

Queen Elizabeth II “saw through Meghan Markle” and even branded the Duchess of Sussex “evil” a source close to the family has controversially claimed.

Speaking exclusively to The Spectator, the source close to the family said “everybody’s eyebrows hit the ceiling” when the late Queen made the alleged remarks concerning the Duchess of Sussex.

The source further claimed: “It was out of character for the Queen to use such a word as ‘evil’ to describe Meghan, but she saw straight through her. It was a startling sentence to hear from the most forgiving woman on earth.”

The late Queen allegedly made the comments a month before she died (Image: Getty)

Before the Queen’s death, a royal rift – which has since deepened – opened up between the Sussexes and the rest of the family.

This is due to Meghan and Harry stepping back from royal duties in 2020and choosing to settle in Montecito, California where they now reside with their two children, Prince Archie, five, and Princess Lilibet, three.

Since relocating, the duo have conducted a series of TV interviews detailing their private lives within the Firm. Signing a multi-million pound deal with Netflix, the couple also released a docuseries titled ‘Harry & Meghan’ where they talked about their relationships with wider members of the Royal Family.

The source also added: “At the drinks before the dinner, a small group were talking to the monarch and she explained that Harry meeting Meghan had become a complete catastrophe and described her as evil.

“By this point, we all knew the Queen’s health was in decline and she had months left, she seemed regretful about how things had panned out.”

The Royal Family at Trooping the Colour 2018 (Image: Getty)

The last time the Duchess of Sussex was pictured in the UK was at the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022, when she attended alongside Prince Harry for the memorial service.

Speaking to ITV’s documentary ‘Tabloids On Trial’, Prince Harry claimed the UK was “too dangerous” for his wife.

He explained: “It’s still dangerous, and all it takes is one lone actor, one person who reads this stuff to act on what they have read and whether it’s a knife or acid, whatever it is, and these are things that are of genuine concern for me. It’s one of the reasons why I won’t bring my wife back to this country.”

Prince Harry last returned to the UK in September when he attended the WellChild Awards ceremony in central London at the Royal Lancaster London Hotel.

The WellChild Awards celebrate the inspiring qualities of some of the country’s seriously ill young people and the dedication of those who keep them healthy and happy, including health, social care and education professionals.

A pre-planned trip to a low-income school in New York in 2021 saw the couple go to extreme lengths to create the best possible ‘aesthetic’.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s pre-planned trip to a low-income school in New York in 2021 saw the couple go to extreme lengths to create the best possible “aesthetic” for filming for their Netflix documentary.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex made a long list of bizarre requests to ensure their visit went without a glitch, according to evidence obtained by the Daily Mail through a FOI request.

One exchange saw representatives for the couple suggest they should bring cushions and a new carpet to a school in a low-income area of the city so that it would be more suited to Meghan’s taste.

The visit took place at a public school in one of New York City’s low-income areas in September 2021, just 18 months after the couple stepped down from royal duties in 2020.

Evidence shows Harry and Meghan tried to create a certain ‘aesthetic’ (Image: Getty)

Meghan and Harry left as senior working royals in 2020 (Image: Getty)

The emails seen by the publication also showed that Archewell staff had say in which school the couple visited and went through multiple edits of the press release to ensure that the visit sounded “more substantial”.

Files also showed that Archwell staff also demanded that consent forms were signed to ensure that no negative comments were made publicly, both after the visit and in the future.

Included in the consent forms, also banned teachers and pupils from discussing the project at all.

Day two of their trip saw Meghan and Harry visit P.S. 123 in Harlem – an inner city school in which 95% of the students qualify for free or reduced-price meals due to coming from low-income families. It was here where Meghan read her book ‘The Bench’ at PS 123 Mahalia Jackson school.

Harry reportedly sat cross-legged among the listening class of students as his wife read.

The intended purpose of the New York trip was to reportedly paint them as world leaders, with the visit also showing them making a stop at the United Nations to discuss vaccine equity.

Press for the visit was also tightly controlled, with some British tabloids banned from attending, but high-end glossy magazines such as Vogue on the list.

The couple’s itinerary also included a speaking appearance at the Global Citizen Festival in Central Park.

The correspondence seems to show that planning for the trip started six months prior in April 2021 and was headed up by former New York City Department of Education employee Toya Holness.

The trip to New York in September 2021 saw a camera crew follow Harry and Meghan for a series of public outings filmed for their six-part Netflix documentary.

The series, titled ‘Harry & Meghan’ which followed the couple’s life after stepping down as senior royals, sparked more controversy in their ever-growing feud with the Firm, when it was aired in December 2022.

Meghan sparked criticism at the time of the visit by arriving in an expensive ensemble – a £4,800 Loro Piana cashmere coat, as well as donning £1,300 trousers.

In a surprising turn of events, Botswana’s President Mokgweetsi Masisi has firmly rejected a request from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to visit the country.

This incident serves as a powerful reminder that royal status does not guarantee access everywhere, especially in the realm of international relations.

Imagine reaching out to a nation celebrated for its stunning landscapes and vibrant culture, only to receive a flat “no” in return.

That’s precisely what happened when the Duke and Duchess of Sussex sought to reconnect with Botswana, a place that holds deep personal significance for them.

This episode not only underscores the challenges faced by celebrities in diplomacy but also raises critical questions about their role on the global stage.

Botswana is renowned for its breathtaking wildlife and progressive governance.

The nation has emerged as a model of stability in Africa, successfully navigating the complexities of post-colonialism.

With a reputation as a beacon of hope, it stands as a testament to effective leadership and development.

For Prince Harry and Meghan, Botswana represents more than just a beautiful destination; it is a land where Harry first discovered his love for the continent and its people during a gap year.

The couple’s recent outreach to President Masisi was filled with enthusiasm, emphasizing their desire to support local initiatives and boost tourism.

However, their heartfelt email was met with unexpected resistance.

The Botswanan government cited logistical issues and emphasized the need for a more strategic approach to tourism, ultimately leading to a decisive rejection of their request.

This response was more than just a bureaucratic formality; it reflected a broader narrative about the evolving dynamics between celebrity influence and local governance.

In an era where famous individuals often receive special treatment, Masisi’s firm stance highlights a growing sentiment among leaders that national interests must take precedence over external fame.

At the core of this situation lies a clash of cultural values.

The British royal family, steeped in tradition, operates within a framework where lineage and status dictate social standing.

In contrast, Botswana embodies a more egalitarian ethos, where leaders are accountable to their citizens.

While Prince Harry and Meghan have positioned themselves as advocates for social justice and environmental sustainability, their celebrity status can sometimes overshadow their genuine intentions.

In a nation where many citizens still face the harsh realities of poverty, the idea of a royal visit may seem misaligned with local priorities.

The blurred lines between celebrity and diplomacy have become increasingly apparent in recent years, as Hollywood stars and influencers often take on ambassadorial roles for various causes.

However, this trend can backfire when local sentiments are disregarded.

The news of this snub has ignited a wave of reactions online and in the media.

Supporters of the couple have voiced their outrage, arguing that their commitment to social issues should have been embraced.

Penelope Chilvers’ dedication to crafting exceptional products has clearly resonated with the Royal Family.

The British footwear and accessory brand first garnered international recognition in 2004 when Kate Middleton, then merely Prince William‘s university girlfriend, wore the iconic £475 Long Tassel Boots.

Now, as the Princess of Wales, she frequently chooses the boots for countryside engagements.

But Kate isn’t the only royal admirer. Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, and Princess Eugenie have also stepped out in the brand’s stunning shoes.

Even Princess Charlotte mirrored her mother’s style in 2020, wearing a mini-me version of the famed boots on the Wales’ family Christmas card.

This support hasn’t gone unnoticed with the brand’s founder. ‘I put my heart and soul into making the best products I can,’ Penelope Chilvers tells MailOnline, ‘so I feel grateful that the Royal Family appreciates what I do.’

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British footwear and accessory brand Penelope Chilvers gained prominence when Kate Middleton, then Prince William’s girlfriend, wore the Long Tassel Boots in 2004 – and the princess continues to wear her boots to this day. Above: Wearing the boots during a visit to a farm in Durham in 2021

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The brand gained international recognition with the £475 Long Tassel Boots

Originally trained as a painter at the Byam Shaw School of Art in London, Penelope was awarded a scholarship from the Spanish Ministry of Culture to complete an MA at Complutense University in Madrid.

Her connection to Spain and its craftsmanship began early; as a child, she spent school holidays in the province of Girona, where she discovered handmade espadrilles that inspired her signature line of shoes.

However, the brand gained prominence with a style that is beloved by Catherine, Princess of Wales: the Long Tassel Boots.

‘HRH wears the first pair of riding boots that I commissioned and designed with a slimmer ankle, and a long tassel on the outside that swings with movement making them very elongating to the leg,’ Penelope says, talking exclusively to MailOnline.

‘We now offer them in standard height for shorter people and a waterproof range of the same style. The Tassel Boot family forms our Heritage Range and extends to four different heights and three calf widths, offering something for everyone.’

Penelope spent several years in Barcelona as a painter and designer, where she collaborated with artists and artisans and worked on notable projects, such as the restoration of the Picasso Museum.

‘I met many artisans during that period of my life, including a bookmaker. I thought of him when I was wondering how to start my own business back in London,’ she recalls.

In her free time, Penelope enjoyed riding in Collserola National Park while wearing traditional Spanish boots.

This experience encouraged her to bring the Spanish riding boot to England, leading her to commission a small group of local artisans in Spain to create the Long Tassel style, according to her exact specifications.

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Kate Middleton seen wearing the boots at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire in 2004

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The boots made another appearance in 2005 as she attended the Gatcombe Festival of Eventing in Gloucestershire (left). Right: Kate wore the boots for a three-hour hike to the Tiger’s Nest monastery on her visit to Bhutan in 2016

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Kate has worn her chestnut boots on countless occasions, including during a trip to Ireland in 2020

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To the delight of fans, Princess Charlotte followed in her mother’s footsteps, showcasing a mini-me version of the footwear on the Wales family Christmas card in 2020

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Family is central to this brand. Penelope’s daughter Africa (left) is actively involved in the design and production team, working closely with factories in Spain. Above: Penelope in the factory with her daughters

Upon her return to the UK, Penelope Chilvers sold over 100 pairs of boots to The Cross, a leading boutique in Notting Hill. Her debut collection then premiered at Paris Fashion Week in 2002.

Since then, the range has expanded to include various styles, such as the après-ski-friendly Incredible Boot and the adventure-ready Neon Safari Boot with a crepe sole.

‘We make pieces for longevity – to wear from one season to the next, or a lifetime if cared for correctly. So it’s an aesthetic that is classic, but with a twist, enjoying colour and texture and eclectic references from my love of travel,’ Penelope says.

Kate’s boots are handcrafted from Spanish vegetable-dyed leather with a feminine, elongating fit, scalloped detailing and a leather tassel on the zip pull. Each pair incorporates a Goodyear Welted Commando rubber sole.

To the delight of royal enthusiasts, Princess Charlotte followed in her mother’s footsteps in 2020, donning a mini-me version of the footwear on the Wales family Christmas card.

Her Mini Tassel Boots, priced at £259, are made with the same artisanal craftmanship as the women’s range – right down to the distinctive Penelope Chilvers tassels.

Family is central to this firm, with Penelope’s eldest daughter, Africa, actively involved in the design and production team, working closely with factories in Spain.

Meanwhile, her other daughter, Gemma, serves as the Brand, Content and Communication Manager.

The designer shares that clientele often includes mothers and daughters, and it’s not uncommon for three generations of the same family to visit the stores together.

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The Duchess of Edinburgh’s extensive Penelope Chilvers collection features sandals, espadrilles, trainers, boots and heeled Mary Janes, dating back to 2019

Distinctive silhouettes are crafted by skilled Spanish artisans with traditional hand stitching and woven meccanica detailing

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At the Cheltenham Festival, Princess Eugenie wore the Burford Boots, crafted from sustainably sourced Italian oiled suede from a gold-rated tannery, as audited by the Leather Working Group

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These boots feature a refined long shaft silhouette and an elegant block heel for all-day comfort

Additional members of the Royal Family have been putting their best foot forward in Penelope Chilvers shoes, including the Duchess of Edinburgh.

Sophie’s extensive collection, encompassing sandals, espadrilles, trainers, boots and heeled Mary Janes, dates back to 2019.

Her most-loved style, the High Mary Jane Espadrille in White Leather, has been worn 26 times.

These espadrilles are part of the signature summer collection, crafted by skilled Spanish artisans with traditional hand stitching and woven meccanica detailing.

Sophie has also made an impact with her Tango Suede Shoes in Tan and Ultraviolet, wearing them on 13 occasions, from Royal Ascot to the Chelsea Flower Show.

Inspired by the Argentine Tango, these closed-toe shoes have a distinctive silhouette that combines elegance with authority.

Princess Eugenie recently joined the brand’s list of admirers, showcasing the Burford Boots during an Easter egg hunt.

Made from polished black equestrian-style leather, these boots feature a refined long shaft silhouette and an elegant block heel for all-day comfort.

Charming detailing, in the form of a harness with a brass barley twist buckle, completes this sleek design.

Just days later, at the Cheltenham Festival, Eugenie wore the tan version of these boots, crafted from sustainably sourced Italian oiled suede from a gold-rated tannery, as audited by the Leather Working Group.

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Harriet Sperling, Peter Phillips’ new partner, recently displayed her preference for the High Sevillana Dali Espadrille in Pink and Green at the Royal Charity Polo Cup in Windsor

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The summer collection boasts a range of espadrilles, featuring heels of varying heights, created in punchy palettes

Penelope Chilvers is attracting newer members of the Royal Family, too.

Harriet Sperling, Peter Phillips’ partner, recently displayed her preference for the High Sevillana Dali Espadrille in Pink and Green at the Royal Charity Polo Cup in Windsor.

The eye-catching design hails from a range of espadrilles, featuring heels of varying heights, created in punchy palettes that are perfect for the summer season.

When asked why so many royal women favour her brand, Penelope attributes it to the ‘authenticity of our collections.’

‘My endeavour to make beautiful footwear, of noble materials, made in small factories in Spain, makes them an ethical choice,’ the designer explains.

She adds: ‘The British royal family are incredibly popular and everyone enjoys watching what they are wearing.

‘It always makes a positive effect when say, Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh wears our espadrilles, or Amelia Windsor wears our sandals. I feel very proud to provide the royal family with footwear they enjoy.’

Penelope Chilvers operates three immaculate stores in London, situated in the affluent neighbourhoods of Belgravia, Mayfair and Notting Hill.

The team also offers personal video calls for customers who cannot visit in person, reflecting their commitment to client service.

‘I believe we are a special and unique brand that once discovered feels like the best kept secret,’ Penelope concludes.

When the Duchess of Sussex claimed that she spends her time Googling small and up-and-coming designers to put them in the global spotlight and boost sales, she raised eyebrows amongst royal watchers.

While she undoubtedly can be credited with putting the British brand Strathberry on the map, she often chose to wear high-end – and expensive – designer labels such as Givenchy, Dior and Oscar de la Renta on official engagements.

And, certainly, she is not the only member of the Royal Family to propel British brands to success: many labels attribute their sales boosts to the royal seal of approval.

REISS 

Turnover: £325 million

Royal fans: The Prince and Princess of Wales

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Newly-wed Kate Middleton wore the £175 Shola dress from Reiss for a meeting with Barack and Michelle Obama at Buckingham Palace after returning from her honeymoon in 2011

Since David Reiss set up his eponymous menswear company in 1971, moving into womenswear at the turn of the century, he has gone from strength to strength.

But it was when Kate began wearing the fashion label that sales soared.

She chose their £159 Nanette dress for her engagement photograph, taken by Mario Testino on November 25, 2010, and the dress sold out immediately.

Then, she wore their £175 Shola dress for a meeting with Barack and Michelle Obama, at Buckingham Palace, on May 24, 2011, and the company was made.

‘I have been in the business for 40 years, and I’ve never seen anything like this reaction, and not just in the UK, but overseas,’ Mr Reiss said.

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Prince William wore Reiss’s £285 Parade Green velvet blazer for the Earthshot Prize awards ceremony in 2021

Prince William and Kate arrive at Earthshot Prize ceremony

‘You can’t put a monetary value on this kind of brand awareness and excitement.

‘As a brand we’ve always been understated – maybe even too discreet about who we are.

‘This has given us an incredible platform without straying from who we are as a brand.’

Kate has even recommended the label to her husband, who owns their £285 Parade green velvet blazer.

He wore it for the Earthshot Prize in London on October 17, 2021, and in Singapore, on November 7, 2023.

But Reiss, who is married with three children, has not let success turn his head: his only extravagance – apart from his Hampstead home – is a Bentley.

ME+EM 

Turnover: £120million

Royal fans: The Princess of Wales; the Duchess of Edinburgh; Princess Beatrice; Zara Tindall.

Since it was founded by Clare Hornby in 2009, Me+Em has become the go-to label for royals, celebrities and politicians.

In fact, the label is one of the royals’ favourite brands. Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, wore their £250 Pearl Zip Knitted Pleat Dress for International Nurses Day on May 12, 2021.

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At the Chelsea Flower Show last year, the Princess of Wales took part in the first children’s picnic wearing this stunning colour block pink dress from Me+Em

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Zara Tindall wore Me+Em’s £295 Shadow Berry Print Maxi dress at Wimbledon on June 11 this year

Kate wore their £450 colour block silk shirt dress in bubble gum pink at Holyrood House nine days later, when she met leukaemia sufferer Mila Sneddon – they had both agreed to wear pink as it was Mila’s favourite colour.

The Princess more recently wore the same dress at the Chelsea Flower Show when she visited in 2023.

Meanwhile Beatrice wore the label for her third wedding anniversary on July 17, 2023, and Zara Tindall wore their £295 Shadow Berry Print Maxi dress at Wimbledon on June 11 this year.

SELF-PORTRAIT 

Turnover: £51.6million

Royal fans: The Princess of Wales; Princess Beatrice; The Duchess of Sussex.

Malaysian designer Han Chong has become a favourite of the Royal Family, but it was Kate who discovered him first.

She wore his £320 white lace dress to the premiere of A Street Cat Named Bob on November 3, 2016.

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Kate’s first outing in a Self-Portrait dress was at the premiere of ‘A Street Cat Named Bob’ in aid of Action On Addiction in November 2016

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The Princess wore Self-Portrait for the ladies singles final at Wimbledon last year

Kate Middleton perfectly in sync with crowd in Wimbledon

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Princess Beatrice looked stunning in his Self-Portrait creation when she attended the V&A summer party in 2017

That year, Selfridges sold a Self-Portrait garment every six minutes and the brand has continued to grow.

Chong found out the Princess had worn his dress when someone tagged a blurry photograph on Instagram.

He said: ‘I couldn’t sleep that night. I was too excited. I could always see her wearing Self-Portrait, but I never thought it was going to happen.’

The following year, other royals copied Kate. Princess Beatrice has worn Chong’s designs more than a dozen times, including when she opted for the £300 navy blue lace dress for a visit to the V&A on June 21, 2017.

Meghan nearly broke the internet on April, 21, 2018, when she wore a £300 green floral midi dress to that year’s Invictus Games reception.

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Meghan nearly broke the internet on April, 21, 2018, when she wore Self-Portrait’s £300 green floral midi dress to that year’s Invictus Games reception

CROCKETT & JONES 

Turnover: £36million

Royal fans: King Charles

British shoe brand Crockett & Jones has been a firm favourite of the King for the past 11 years, since he visited their factory in Northampton and was given a guided tour.

He owns both their Connaught lace-ups and Cavendish tassel loafers and has granted the company, which was established in 1879 during the Victorian age, a Royal Warrant.

‘King Charles has exceptional style, excellent taste and an eye for quality,’ director James Fox said afterwards.

‘His support of Made in England brands never goes unnoticed, and we couldn’t be prouder.’

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The King being shown around footwear manufacturers Crockett & Jones, to whom he has granted a Royal Warrant, 2013

ANYA HINDMARCH

Turnover: £20.5 million

Royal fans: Princess Diana: The Princess of Wales; Princess Eugenie

Princess Diana was the first member of the Royal Family to discover quirky bag designer Anya Hindmarch, who set up her eponymous company in 1987 at the age of 19.

She employed Anya, who was created a Dame in the King’s 2024 birthday honours list, to make satin clutch bags she could hold to her chest when she was stepping out of cars.

Anya embroidered the letter D inside the bags. Two decades later, her daughter-in-law Kate discovered the label, which became renowned for its limited-edition tote inscribed ‘I’m Not a Plastic Bag’.

She owns a £350 fan clutch bag, which she has carried three times, on her 2011 Canadian tour, at Wimbledon in 2014, and on her 2022 tour of the Caribbean.

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Diana, Princess of Wales, often referred to her purse by Anya Hindmarch as her ‘cleavage bag’

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Kate also carried this £350 fan clutch bag from Anya Hindmarch in the Caribbean in 2022

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Princess Eugenie holding a £1,300 silver crisp packet clutch at the wedding of Pippa Middleton and James Matthews in 2017

However, it is Princess Eugenie, who owns one of the label’s most iconic designs: a £1,300 silver crisp packet clutch she took to the wedding of Pippa Middleton and James Matthews in 2017.

Meghan is a more recent convert to the brand: she was recently spotted holding a £195 leather matchbook keyring inscribed with the phrase ‘Take What You Need’ when visiting the bookshop Godmothers, in Summerland, California.

The store is owned by her friends, literary agent Jennifer Rudolph Walsh and cosmetics mogul Victoria Jackson.

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Meghan was seen with this £195 leather matchbook keyring from Anya Hindmarch when she visited the Godmothers bookshop in Summerland, California

STRATHBERRY 

Turnover: £17million

Royal fans: The Duchess of Sussex; The Princess of Wales

Strathberry’s £17million turnover can certainly be credited to Meghan, who carried their £495 Tricolour Midi Tote on her debut walkabout with Prince Harry in Nottingham December 2017.

The bag sold out within 24 hours and phones rang off the hook, changing the lives of husband-and-wife team Guy and Leeanne Hundleby overnight and catapulting the fledgling firm into the big league.

But the Kate effect was equally potent.

When she carried out a visit to the closing ceremony of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland in 2021, the £295 Multrees Chain Wallet she was carrying sold out within hours.

‘Any carry from royals would generate an interest in the brand and a surge in traffic to the site and potential boost to sales,’ Mrs Hundleby said diplomatically.

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Strathberry’s £17million turnover can certainly be credited to Meghan, who carried their £495 Tricolour Midi Tote on her debut walkabout with Prince Harry in Nottingham December 2017

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When Kate carried out a visit to the closing ceremony of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, the £295 Multrees Chain Wallet she was carrying sold out within hours

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The Princess of Wales carried the Mosaic Nano in Vanilla in December at Westminster Abbey, for the Together at Christmas carol service

Kate Middleton meets carol singers ahead of ‘Together at Christmas’

SOLE BLISS 

Turnover: £10,000,000

Royal fans: Queen Camilla

Camilla, 77, has made no secret of the stress of royal walkabouts.

She once revealed that she used to be ‘screaming in agony at the end of the day’ and desperate to kick her heels off ‘at every opportunity’.

That is until she discovered bunion-busters Sole Bliss.

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Camilla has more than a dozen pairs of ‘miracle’ shoes from bunion-busting firm Sole Bliss. Above: Camilla wearing a pair of the shoes at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane in 2021

She has more than a dozen pairs of her ‘miracle shoes’, which she buys online.

Her collection includes the £159 Carmen court shoes and the £159 Ingrid court shoes, which she buys in classic colours.

Camilla first wore a pair of Sole Bliss shoes – the Ingrid Camel leather block heels – at the Royal Cornwall Show in June 2018 and has since bought more than a dozen pairs, creating a ripple Camilla Effect.

‘I was relaxing after a day’s work at my factory in Italy when I first saw a photo online of the Duchess wearing my shoes,’ said founder Lisa Kay, who lives in north London with husband Roger.

‘I was so excited I jumped up and knocked over my Aperol Spritz!

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At the Sandringham Flower Show in 2018, Camilla wore a pair of  her favourite Sole Bliss shoes

‘We immediately received emails from our customers asking if the Duchess was indeed wearing the same shoes as them!

‘I’m delighted and honoured that Her Royal Highness continues to wear Sole Bliss shoes.’

The Queen has even recommended the label to her friends, including TV chef Mary Berry.

She said: ‘I’ve started wearing new high heels recommended to me by the [then] Duchess of Cornwall.

‘I used to buy all my shoes from Russell & Bromley but now I wear these.’

JENNY PACKHAM 

Turnover: £7.6million

Royal fans: The Princess of Wales

The sister of naturalist and TV presenter Chris Packham, Jenny Packham was already an established designer when she was discovered by the Princess of Wales.

She trained at Southampton College of Art and London’s St Martin’s School of Art, before presenting her first collection at the 1988 London Designer Show.

But there is no doubt that Kate has boosted her profile.

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Kate’s first official engagement after her wedding was wearing a Jenny Packham frock at the 10th Annual ARK Gala Dinner in 2011

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The Princess turned up to the premiere of James Bond film No Time To Die at the Royal Albert Hall in 2021 in this spectacular Jenny Packham gold caped dress

Two years after Kate wore her £3,835 rose pink and organza sequinned dress for her first official evening engagement on June 9, 2011, the V&A Museum held a retrospective of her work to celebrate 25 years of her label.

Since then, she has become the Princess’s go-to eveningwear designer and Kate has at least eight of her dresses in her wardrobe.

Who can forget the £4,097 gold embellished evening gown she wore to the James Bond premiere of No Time to Die on September 28, 2021?

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During hers and William’s Caribbean tour in 2022, Kate wore this green Jenny Packham dress for a dinner at King’s House in Jamaica

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry find themselves entangled in accusations that have deeply affected their closest relationships. The couple, who relocated to the United States with the intention of expanding their personal brand, is facing allegations of causing significant emotional distress to some of their nearest and dearest.

Meghan, who appears unlikely to return to the United Kingdom, may soon confront a wave of criticism for what some perceive as the disruption of their children’s royal upbringing – Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have, with their decision to distance themselves from the royal family, ignited impassioned debates among royal experts and critics alike. Their choice reflects their pursuit of a path independent from the constraints of traditional royal life.

The couple’s highly publicized interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2021, as well as their subsequent Netflix series, delved into the enduring issues of racism and colonialism within the monarchy. The situation intensified further with the release of Harry’s candid memoir, “Spare,” in which he openly aired his grievances about life within the royal fold.

Considering the tumultuous events of recent years, it’s probable that Harry and Meghan will continue to maintain a considerable distance from royal affairs.

Royal commentator Clive Irving expressed, “Meghan Markle is ‘unlikely’ to return to the UK as she will be accused of ’embarrassing’ the King,” adding that, “The only interactions with the royals will occur when Harry himself returns [to the UK] on necessary family occasions. It’s improbable that we’ll witness Meghan alongside Prince William and Princess Kate.”

Regrettably, this means that Archie and Lilibet won’t have the opportunity to relish the cherished moments of their childhood by playing with their grandfather, King Charles, and their royal cousins, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.

Having stepped back from their roles as working royals in 2020, Harry and Meghan have effectively made their transition into the world of celebrities. They have established themselves independently from the royal family and no longer rely on its support.

However, in their ongoing struggles with the royal establishment, Harry and Meghan have inadvertently deprived their children of the joy of growing up alongside their royal relatives.

As the couple’s children reside in California with their parents, they have been labeled as some of the most significant casualties of the feud within the royal family. Esther Krakue, a royal commentator and broadcaster, noted, “They don’t really know an entire half of their family, and Meghan doesn’t really have much family to speak of other than her mother, and they’re the ones that are being isolated.”

Meghan Markle took a leaf from the Princess of Wales’s book yesterday evening and upcycled a striking red Carolina Herrera dress to the LA Children’s Hospital gala.

The Duchess of Sussex, 43, previously donned the gown at a 2021 gala in New York City to celebrate the military on the eve of Veterans Day in the US and Armistice Day in Britain.

For yesterday evening’s charity event, the mother-of-two slightly altered the $5,990 (£4,565) poppy red dress, removing excess material from the train to give it a slinkier silhouette.

It’s a move typically associated with Kate Middleton, who has upheld a thrifty reputation throughout her royal career thanks to her love of re-wearing garments and accessories.

Kate has upcycled ensembles on multiple occasions, sending a message to millions that you can wear the same gorgeous gown more than once and still look fabulous.

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Meghan Markle appeared to take a leaf out of the Princess of Wales’s book last night and recycled her striking red Caroline Herrera gown, which she originally wore in 2019

Meghan talks about being a mother at Children’s Hospital LA Gala

Yesterday evening, Meghan followed in the footsteps of her sister-in-law and increased her sustainability credentials by rewearing a striking Caroline Herrera dress.

In 2021, she cut a stylish figure at the ‘Salute to Freedom’ event in the same gown, featuring a deep neckline, pleated skirt and thigh-high split.

The mother-of-two completed her glamorous ensemble with a pair of matching £696 slingback heels by Giuseppe Zanotti featuring crystal-embellished buckle detail.

And on Saturday, the mother-of-two caught all eyes as she re-wore the bold red ensemble by the Venezuelan designer to the event.

She greeted the young fans before preparing for a star-studded night featuring a performance by Demi Lovato and appearances by presenters Kaley Cuoco, Jamie Lee Curtis and Colin Hanks.

The Princess of Wales has paved the way for Meghan, who started recycling her red carpet dresses in 2012 before going on to tweak her favourite frocks to give them a new lease of life.

Kate previously spoke about her views on the environment when presenting an award at the Earthshot Prize Awards Ceremony in 2021.

She said: ‘Nature is vital to us all… But for too long we’ve neglected our wild spaces and now we’re facing a number of tipping points.

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The Princess of Wales wore her repurposed Alexander McQueen one-shouldered dress with black opera gloves to the Baftas last year (right), she also wore the same dress to the awards in 2019 (left)

Kate Middleton wows in McQueen gown as she joins William at Bafta

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The Princess of Wales repurposed her off the shoulder Alexander McQueen gown she originally wore in 2017 (left) by adding short sleeves  to give it a subtle new look in 2019 (right)

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The Princess of Wales stepped out of the Tuk Tuk and stunned the world in her dark green sequinned dress by Jenny Packham in 2019 (left). She had the same effect  when she wore it again with her hair down over one shoulder in 2021 (right)

‘If we don’t act now we will permanently destabilise our planet and rob our children of the future they deserve.’

She recently proved that she was just as on-trend and stylish as the A-listers surrounding her at the Baftas, as she opted for a recycled white-and-black Alexander McQueen one-shoulder gown for the glamorous event, which she first wore in 2019.

The reused number had undergone some minor alterations, with the floral detailing on the shoulder swapped for a sweeping train of material.

She teamed the elegant gown with trendy black opera gloves and a black clutch bag and ultimately gave her old dress and new lease of life.

While Meghan rarely alters her previously worn dresses, she has been known to rewear clothes on numerous occasions.

When she made a glamorous appearance at the One Young World summit at the Royal Albert Hall in October 2019, it was in a dress she had first debuted the January before.

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Kate stunned the crowds in this bespoke lilac Alexander McQueen dress in 2011 (left) and had the same effect in 2021 (right) when she turned up at Alexander Palace in the same dress with a slight change by accessorising with a different belt to pull in her waist

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The Princess of Wales first wore the DVF (Diana Von Furstenberg) ‘Zarita’ full-length gown in black with her hair up in 2014 (left) and when she wore it again in 2017 (right) she had her hair down and wore it with a diamond cuff on her wrist

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The Princess wore a cobalt blue Jenny Packham gown with a matching shawl during a tour of India, before bringing out the dress again for a gala dinner for Place2Be at Buckingham Palace

The Duchess of Sussex stunned in a recycled £107 purple Babaton by Aritzia gown, previously worn on a visit to Hamilton Square in Birkenhead in January when she was six months pregnant.

In the later engagement, she paired the bold dress with navy court heels and donned minimal accessories – including a gold bangle and delicate bracelet, as well as her wedding and engagement rings.

Meghan last wore the purple gown with a statement red coat from Sentaler, paying tribute to her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana, who was a fan of the bold colour palette.

This year, during her quasi-royal tour of Nigeria with Prince Harry, Meghan marked Mother’s Day in America by wearing her Carolina Herrera ‘Yellow Silk Overlay Column Gown’, which she wore in 2021 when she announced her pregnancy with Princess Lilibet.

On Valentine’s Day that year, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex revealed they were expecting their second child with a monochrome snap.

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In Nigeria, Meghan sported her Carolina Herrera ‘Yellow Silk Overlay Column Gown’, which she first donned in 2021

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s chief of staff during Nigeria trip

Taken remotely by long-time friend and photographer Misan Harriman, the loved-up couple posed in nature while Harry cradled Meghan’s bump.

For the event in Nigeria, the Duchess looked as elegant as ever as she arrived at the State Governor House in Lagos, in the £3,198 ($3,990) silk dress, which she matched with a classic pair of nude slingback leather sandals.

Meghan also donned the Caroline Herrera dress on another special occasion – Prince Archie’s first birthday, as shown in the Netflix series, Harry & Meghan, alongside her mother, Doria Ragland, and Prince Harry.

It comes after Meghan Markle revealed how she has been building her investment portfolio – telling the New York Times that her latest addition is lavish bag brand Cesta Collective.

The Duchess of Sussex was recently snapped carrying a purse from the company which sells purses handwoven by women in Rwanda and are later finished in Italy.  She showed off the $750 (£568) accessory during her trip to Colombia with husband Prince Harry, 40.

A number of brands Meghan has been spotted wearing before have noted how sales increased substantially following her endorsement. A notable example was in 2017, when a bag from Scottish brand Strathberry sold out online in 11 minutes after Meghan wore it during an engagement during then-fiance Harry.

Finding out about the sales boost the brand received as a result of her wearing one of its items ‘changed everything in terms of how [Meghan] then looked at putting an outfit together’.

She explained to the NYT that when she knows there will be a ‘global spotlight’ on what she is wearing, she will ‘support designers that [she has] really great friendships with, and smaller, up-and-coming brands that haven’t gotten the attention that they should be getting’.

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While Meghan doesn’t always tweak her favourite dresses, she has been known to repeat outfits, including the above trench dress

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In 2019 (pictured right), the Duchess of Sussex stunned in a recycled £107 purple Babaton by Aritzia gown, previously worn on a visit to Hamilton Square in Birkenhead in January, when she was six months pregnant (pictured left)

Meghan with model pal Kelly McKee Zajfen at Children’s Hospital gala

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Yesterday evening, Meghan paired the bold red gown with a classic pair of heeled sandals in a matching share

Her impact on Strathberry’s sales was so significant that the brand was reportedly able to expand its workforce, meaning her endorsement can be of significant financial value.

Another brand that experienced the Meghan effect is London-based lab-grown diamond company Kimaï. In 2019, the then-royal was photographed wearing its £630 Felicity earrings, which she bought herself.

According to Kimaï co-founders Jessica Warch and Sidney Neuhau, this sparked sales of $1.2 million (£945k).

The duo explained their profits over the past few years and how Meghan played a significant part in spiking sales.

Jessica said: ‘We’ve launched without investment, and then two months after our launch we got Meghan Markle to wear our pieces, which enabled us to grow the revenue significantly, and from there we raised $1.2 million.’

The brand, which only uses stones made in a lab, as well as only using recycled gold, went on to secure a record-breaking investment from Dragon’s Den star Steven Bartlett, who injected £250,000 in exchange for a three per cent equity stake – his largest sum to date.

Before her relationship with Kate fell apart amid rows over bridesmaids dresses and ‘baby brain’ comments, Meghan Markle has claimed her sister-in-law took against her from the get-go because of her more casual style.

Harry’s wife recalled how she was ‘barefoot’ and wearing ripped jeans when she first met Kate and said that the ‘formal’ future Queen, and other members of the Royal Family, found it jarring that she was a ‘hugger’.

However, an intriguing snippet from a new memoir by Kate’s brother James, about the royal being introduced to his now wife, Alizee, for the first time, paints a very different picture of the Princess.

He described how Alizee appeared in the kitchen of the Middleton family home with her hair tousled and wearing nothing but his shirt, only to find Kate, William and their three children there.

Far from it being an issue, there was ‘no awkwardness at all’ and by the end of the weekend Kate had given Alizee her seal of approval, telling James the French financier was ‘just great’.

It suggests that whatever issues subsequently emerged between Kate and Harry’s wife, Meghan’s penchant for ripped jeans was not the root of the problem.

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James Middleton’s wife Alizee, pictured on holiday in Italy in 2020, was wearing nothing but his shirt the first time she met his sister Kate and Prince William

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Meghan Markle wore ripped jeans to the Invictus Games in Toronto in September 2017 – her first ever official public appearance with Prince Harry

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Alizee Thevenet and James Middleton attend the Bulgari gala dinner to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in July 2022

The Queen and Meghan Markle arrive in Cheshire by Royal Train

Describing Kate’s first meeting with Alizee, James said that she’d met his family by accident when the couple decided to stay at his parents’ home in Bucklebury, Berkshire after attending a wedding nearby.

Next morning, he woke up to discover they unexpectedly had company – William, Kate and their three children were visiting for the weekend.

‘I’m about to take a cup up to Alizee when she appears at the kitchen door,’ he recalled.

‘She has just got out of bed, her hair still tousled, and she is wearing one of my shirts. In situations like this, Alizee is ­wonderfully French. She does not panic or rush upstairs to get dressed. Instead, she just greets everyone warmly as if it’s not remotely unusual to be meeting her boyfriend’s sister and brother-in-law for the first time wearing only an oversized man’s shirt.

‘Hello,’ she says, proffering her hand and with no awkwardness at all we’re soon all chatting and the children are asking all kinds of cheeky questions at 100 miles per hour.

‘Then we are all talking and laughing as if she has been part of the family for years.’

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Meghan and Kate pictured at the Ladies Singles Final at Wimbledon in 2019

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On day two of the Invictus Games in 2020, Meghan wore slim leg denim, a Brandon Maxwell blazer and heeled Manolo Blahnik pumps. It was a more grown-up version of her original Invictus Games ensemble in 2017

He added that the next day when they parted ways, he got a ‘special squeeze’ from his sister, who whispered in his ear: ‘She’s just great.’

By contrast, Meghan Markle said there was some awkwardness with Kate straight away when they first met in 2017, and put it down to their very different styles.

Meghan recounted in the couple’s Netflix series Harry & Meghan that she was ‘barefoot’ and wearing ripped jeans when she first met Kate.

Discussing the meeting, she said she did not know the ‘formality’ the royals display in public continues behind closed doors and that she is a ‘hugger’ – which she did not realise was ‘jarring for some Brits’.

She said: ‘Even when Will and Kate came over and I was meeting her for the first time I remember I was in ripped jeans, I was barefoot. Like I was a hugger, I have always been a hugger I didn’t realise that is really jarring for a lot of Brits.’

‘I started to understand that the formality on the outside carried through on the inside, that there is a forward facing way of being and then you close the door and think “OK we can relax now”.

‘But that formality carries over on both sides and that was surprising to me.’

Even Prince Harry made reference to the two women’s differing styles in his memoir Spare, recalling how William and Kate had come over for dinner during one of Meghan’s visits from Canada.

It was the early days of their relationship and both couples were seemingly on good terms, but he said that the difference between them was apparent.

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The Duchess of Sussex said she wore ‘beige, camel and white’ while around other women to avoid clashing with their outfits. Pictured: Meghan with The Queen in June 2018

‘The only possibly discordant note I could think of was the marked difference in how the two women dressed, which both of them seemed to notice,’ he recalled.

‘Meg: ripped jeans, barefoot. Kate: done up to the nines.’

Of course, the subsequent deterioration of the relationship between the Sussexes and the Waleses has been well documented.

In interviews and since stepping down as working royals in early 2020, Meghan has repeated that her fashion choices were a source of contention.

In the third episode of the couple’s Netflix series, which aired in 2022, she said she had to ‘tone down’ her wardrobe to fit in.

‘Most of the time I was in the UK, I rarely wore colour,’ she said.

‘To my understanding, you can’t ever wear the same colour as Her Majesty if there’s a group event but then you also shouldn’t be wearing the same colour as one of the other more senior members of the family.’

To respect this rumoured royal protocol, Meghan says she started dressing almost exclusively in shades of camel, beige and white.

She continued: ‘I wore a lot of muted tones but it was also so I could just blend in. I’m not trying to stand out here.

‘There was no version of me [that was] joining this family and trying not to do everything I could to fit in. I don’t want to embarrass the family.’

A British designer has revealed how the Princess of Wales’s support led to an ‘incredible’ surge in sales, allowing them to raise £15,000 for charity.

In the year after Kate’s wedding, market analyst Mintel estimated that the ‘Kate Effect’ was responsible for a £1 billion boost in public spending, and while the focus may now be on Meghan Markle‘s impact on fashion labels, Kate’s influence shows no signs of slowing down.

It’s a phenomenon supported by EARSASS founder, Sophie McGown from Perthshire, who revealed that when Kate wore the Issy star earrings – which tribute Sophie’s niece, 17, who died by suicide last year after battling depression – a global sales boom followed.

Sophie told FEMAIL: ‘My team member, Jaz and I were just like a little factory with all these orders coming in.

‘I still can’t believe that we got through all that, but we did. It was phenomenal, just the two of us and really put some incredible structure into the business to handle it and raise so much money for charity.

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EARSASS has raised £15 thousand for a mental health charity after the Princess of Wales wore one of their designs. (Pictured: Kate hugging Issy’s mother, Sarah Renton, in May last year)

‘Issy’s mum and Issy’s friends all came and helped us pack. It was just such a special time to keep Issy alive and her legacy, and she just went global’.

During a visit to Maidenhead in May, where Issy played rugby, Kate Middleton, 42, shared a sweet moment with Issy’s mother and Sophie’s cousin Sarah Renton, who presented her with the earrings and hugged her.

‘Kate was just so moved by it all, and just at the strength of the club,’ Sophie said in conversation with FEMAIL.

It was a meet that led to ‘mind blowing’ support from the royal, with Kate wearing them during a visit to Birmingham on World Mental Health Day 2023, which surged sales and led EARSASS to raise £15,000 for BraveMind charity.

Discussing Issy, Sophie recalled: ‘She had really struggled with her mental health especially in lockdown, and really battled through it.

‘So, for her age group, who were sucked out of their social bubble, and then [had to] just sit at home, it was just the most wrong thing… and that really did, obviously, impact her’.

‘She was the most incredible human I knew. She was definitely supposed to be somewhere else, and, on the 29 April, she took her own life after struggling for too long with her mental health and depression’.

‘It was horrible. It was just the worst time of our entire family’s life to get that phone call, and the night before, she’d message all of us, telling us how much she loved us.

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The Princess of Wales is seen wearing the Issy Star earrings at Factory Works in Birmingham last year

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17-year-old Issy (pictured) tragically took her own life after grappling with depression in lockdown

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Kate is pictured when she met Issy’s mother, Sarah Renton, in May last year and was presented with the earrings

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EARSASS designer Sophie McGown (pictured) is rebranding the company to focus on mental health awareness

‘It was just a really, a really, really harrowing time. And she was just our angel, absolutely in our family. She was just so supportive of everything. She was so supportive of me with EARSASS, and she came and helped me make earrings.

After the tragic loss, Sophie created the Issy earrings as a tribute to her niece, with five pounds of each purchase going to mental health charity BraveMind.

The level of support that the earrings were soon set to receive was completely unknown to Sophie at the time. She explained: ‘Kate came to Maidenhead Rugby Club, which is where Issy was an amazing rugby coach, plus a player. So is her mother, Sarah.

‘This was all part of the Shaping Us campaign that Kate and William are heavily involved in, which is about getting children into sport at a very young age, [because] they believe that that really shapes and helps their mental health.

During the visit to Maidenhead Rugby Club in May, the Princess of Wales shared a sweet moment with Issy’s mother and Sophie’s cousin Sarah Renton who presented her with the earrings.

The royal was visibly moved by her interaction with Mrs Renton, who coaches the under-14 boys at the club, and put her arm around the mother before giving her a warm hug.

Kate went on to wear the earrings during a visit to Birmingham with Prince William on World Mental Health Day last year, where they attended a summit focusing on the mental wellbeing of young people.

Sophie recalled: ‘On World Mental Health Day last year, she clearly waited and knew what she was going to do and wore them in honour of Issy, and we genuinely didn’t really think she would, you know, I mean, certainly not necessarily on that day.

‘We’d all kind of just thought, right, she would wear them one day, but it kind of went to the side, and then obviously it happened, and it was just mind blowing’.

‘For charity we’ve raised just over £15,000 now. The money is going into education. The charity is going in and educating people within the schools, rugby clubs, universities, and football clubs to spot signs, and they are doing suicide awareness courses with individuals, so they become a leader in suicide’.

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The Princess of Wales later invited the jewellery designer, who created the Issy Star Earrings (pictured on Kate) in memory of 17-year-old Issy Phipps, to her Christmas Carol Concert

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Issy, a budding rugby player who played for Maidenhead RFC, took her own life in April last year after struggling with depression

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Sophie, who designed a pair of earrings in memory of her niece Issy Phipps, revealed on X last year that she was invited to Kate’s Carol Concert

In light of World Mental Health Day on Thursday, EARSASS will launch the Issy Star in rose gold, marking a company rebrand, which will now focus around ‘supporting mental health’.

Sophie explained: ‘We’ve got all these amazing words and quotes that we’re going to be putting out, such as, strength. We want to have a dedicated page on our website with a toolkit. It will include links and support for people to be able to get the support.

‘We’re not saying that we are mental health professionals, but we’re going to structure [the brand] around where you can go to get support.

‘We will continue to support Brave Mind with the five pounds for every pair of earrings sold, which, we will continue to do’.

‘We’re just hoping that she [Kate] might wear them again. You know, it might be a tradition for her to do that now on World Mental Health Day, but we just don’t know, like we didn’t know last time.

In 2023, in another gesture of support to Issy’s family, Sophie was included in the very special guestlist at the Westminster Abbey Christmas carol service.

Posting a photo of her invitation on X at the time, Sophie wrote: ‘So completely and utterly blown away with emotion today when I was handed this incredible and very touching invitation to attend the Princess of Wales carol service this Friday, we are just so honoured by such a wonderful recognition of support.’