Meghan Markle's return to Britain has revived an uncomfortable rivalry with Princess Kate over the country's most coveted fashion labels, according to an analysis by Alicia Liberty. The Duchess of Sussex, 45, is now back in the UK as a private citizen rather than a working royal, which could make the battle for British luxury fashion brands fascinating.
The Kate Effect on British Fashion
The Princess of Wales has spent years making British fashion her territory. Her wardrobe features names such as Emilia Wickstead, Alexander McQueen, Catherine Walker, Aspinal of London, Strathberry, DeMellier and Penelope Chilvers, alongside Jenny Packham, Erdem, Susannah London and Barbour.
The 44-year-old has become known for mixing luxury names with accessible high-street pieces, which keeps the "Kate effect" commercially potent. One appearance can transform an under-the-radar handbag into a must-have accessory, while a dress or pair of shoes can sell out before royal watchers have identified it.
This relationship works both ways: the Princess gets beautifully made clothes suited to royal life, while brands receive global publicity money cannot buy.
Meghan's California Style Shift
When Meghan arrived as a working royal in 2018, there was overlap with Catherine's style. Both women were modern, internationally watched members of the same family who gravitated towards luxury tailoring and immaculate accessories. But their personal styles were always distinct: the future Queen leaned towards traditional British tailoring and feminine silhouettes, while the former actress brought a sharper, minimalist edge.
Leaving Britain changed Meghan's wardrobe almost immediately. Living in California meant her clothes no longer had to perform a diplomatic role. She developed what Vogue has described as a luxe "California founder" aesthetic: relaxed linen shirts, straight-cut denim and expensive neutral separates mixed with designer accessories.
Her post-royal wardrobe has included American favourites such as Carolina Herrera, Ralph Lauren, Oscar de la Renta, Staud and Veronica Beard, alongside labels including Anine Bing, Khaite and St Agni. Carolina Herrera has become something of a Meghan signature, worn everywhere from Los Angeles galas to charity appearances.
The Battle Over Luxury Brands
Meghan is back in Britain but not as a working royal - the distinction has been made clear that she and Prince Harry remain private citizens. Yet she still has expensive tastes, enormous international visibility and the ability to generate headlines simply by walking out of a door.
Catherine has cornered an incredibly valuable section of British luxury fashion. An Emilia Wickstead dress, a Strathberry handbag or a pair of Penelope Chilvers boots now carries an immediate royal association because she has repeatedly worn and championed those names.
These are commercial businesses, not royal suppliers bound by allegiance, so Meghan can still buy or wear them. But from a branding perspective, the question is awkward: would a British label court Meghan for the publicity she could generate, knowing every appearance would trigger comparisons with Catherine? Or would some be wary of muddying a relationship with the woman expected one day to become Queen?
Catherine represents royal continuity, British industry and the commercial power of the royal seal of approval. Meghan represents celebrity, luxury and a different kind of global influence. For six years, an ocean kept those worlds apart. Now they are back on the same turf - and British fashion may soon have to decide whether it wants the Princess or the Duchess wearing its clothes.
