Why Royals have swapped their staple high heels for flat trainers – and where to shop the exact styles worn by Kate, Meghan and Camilla

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Members of the Royal Family are increasingly redefining traditional regal style, often opting for smart-casual looks over high-end designer ensembles. 

This shift has made their aesthetic feel more relatable, with a focus on affordable, accessible pieces that are attainable for the average shopper. 

One item in particular leading this change is trainers, with several royals showing a clear preference for the style. 

Below, I take a closer look at their favourite designs, with exact matches to shop now.

Princess of Wales – Veja

Princess Kate is a dedicated fan of Veja’s gold Esplar trainers, wearing them at least ten times in public – from the Big Coronation Lunch to a family video marking the end of her chemotherapy treatment.

The style is a brand staple, delivering a clean, versatile aesthetic that teams with everything from smart tailoring to casual weekend looks. 

What’s more, they’re currently reduced to £98, making it a great time to snap up a pair. 

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Queen Camilla – Eliot Zed

A versatile pair of trainers is a wardrobe essential – even for the Queen.

Queen Camilla favours the Avril style from her go-to footwear brand, Eliot Zed – a lace-up style designed with both comfort and elegance in mind.

Crafted from luxurious Italian suede, the trainers feature a cushioned footbed and contrast patent heel detail, offering an elevated finish without compromising on practicality.

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Duchess of Sussex – Freda Salvador 

Renowned for her love of designer fashion, it’s no surprise Meghan Markle has a wardrobe of coveted footwear to complete her ensembles. 

During her visit to Australia, she wore Freda Salvador’s Eda kicks, which are handcrafted in Spain. 

The elevated cut-out shoes are designed to make everyday outfits feel instantly cooler – and are said to feel like walking on a cloud.  

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Harriet Sperling – Adidas

Harriet Sperling made a stylish appearance at the Badminton Horse Trials alongside her fiancé Peter Phillips.

She accessorised her casual outfit with Adidas’s sought-after Gazelle trainers in a rich burgundy hue.

Featuring the iconic Trefoil logo, the suede design sits on a durable rubber outsole and includes an OrthoLite sockliner for added comfort and performance.

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Princess Eugenie – Loci

Princess Eugenie has worn Loci’s Nine trainers on no fewer than 18 public occasions, showcasing her support for sustainable fashion. 

The vegan trainers feature a minimalist low-top silhouette, complete with a bio-leather upper, natural cork insole and recycled rubber soles. 

Ethically handcrafted in Portugal, the understated design and subtle logo make them an easy way to elevate any casual ensemble. 

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Duchess of Edinburgh – Puma 

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, also enjoys sporting smart-casual looks from time to time and has shown a preference for Puma’s Carina trainers. 

While attending the All England Open Badminton Championships in Birmingham, Sophie opted for the all-white, tennis shoe-inspired silhouette, crafted from durable leather and finished with a discreet gold logo. 

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Princess Beatrice – Gucci

Instantly recognisable thanks to their signature red and green web stripes, it’s easy to see why Princess Beatrice is a fan of Gucci’s Ace trainers. 

The stylish low-top design blends timeless appeal with contemporary detailing, making them the perfect complement to everyday looks. 

Iridescent leather heel counters featuring the house’s signature lettering add a distinctive designer finish.

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Princess Marie Chantal of Greece – Adidas

During a recent outing in Rwanda, Marie-Chantal, Crown Princess of Greece, stepped out in the iconic Adidas Samba OG – a style that has surged back into the spotlight thanks to its sleek profile and timeless appeal.

With its premium cream leather upper, nubuck overlays and signature black stripes, the Samba captures the current appetite for nostalgic sportswear that still feels polished. 

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Queen Letizia of Spain – Vivobarefoot

After fracturing a toe on her right foot, Queen Letizia of Spain swapped her trademark sky-high heels for more practical footwear. 

She has also reportedly been managing Morton’s neuroma in her left foot since 2022 – a painful condition affecting the nerves between the toes, often causing sharp pain, numbness or tingling. 

This is believed to have influenced her choice of barefoot, tennis-inspired trainers from Vivobarefoot. 

She has been spotted wearing the Geo Court III, while the newer IV model is now available. The design features ultra-soft, chrome-free leather upper and a recycled PU insole topped with naturally antibacterial cork.

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