One photograph of Princess Catherine wearing Penelope Chilvers Long Tassel Boots in 2004 transformed the British footwear label into a global name, founder Penelope Chilvers told the Daily Express. The image, taken at Blenheim Palace while Kate was a University of St Andrews student, resurfaced after her engagement to Prince William and went viral, appearing on front pages worldwide.
The Royal Moment That Changed Everything
Penelope Chilvers launched her brand 25 years ago while living in Spain, working with local artisans. A bootmaker created a pair to her specifications, and upon returning to London, friends clamored for similar boots. She sold 100 pairs in one season at The Cross in Notting Hill Gate, leading to Paris Fashion Week. Then, she sold a pair to Kate Middleton and her mother Carole.
“I launched the brand 25 years ago when I was living in Spain and working with wonderful artisans, one of whom was a bootmaker. I had a pair of boots made to my own specifications for myself and, when I came back to live in London, all my girlfriends wanted a pair,” Chilvers recalled. “I started making them for my friends and introduced them to The Cross in Notting Hill Gate, where we sold 100 pairs in a season. That took me to Paris Fashion Week, and then I was incredibly lucky to sell a pair to Kate Middleton and her mother Carole.”
Viral Impact and Global Recognition
Years later, when Catherine became engaged to Prince William, the photograph of her in the boots resurfaced. “The image went completely viral. It was on every single front page around the world and I really felt that was probably the moment my business took off, or at least the moment it became a business that could truly grow. From there it has gone from strength to strength,” Chilvers said.
The boots, in the brand's Conker shade, feature supple leather, signature tassel detailing, a knee-high silhouette, and a sturdy low heel. They remain available in sizes 3 to 8, with a black version currently on sale at £333 (down from £475).
Enduring Royal Appeal
Princess Catherine continues to wear the boots for off-duty occasions, exemplifying investment dressing. Duchess Sophie and Harriet Sperling (Mrs. Peter Phillips) have also become fans, extending the brand's royal reach. Chilvers noted that the royal moment gave the brand a platform to flourish, leading to expanded boot designs with an equestrian aesthetic and a summer range.
Twenty-five years on, Penelope Chilvers remains committed to handcrafted footwear made by skilled Spanish artisans, staying true to the values that first attracted the Princess. The Long Tassel Boots stand as a testament to timeless British style and the power of a single royal photograph to elevate an independent brand.
