Penelope Chilvers, founder of the eponymous British footwear brand, has revealed the real reasons why the Duchess of Edinburgh, Sophie, remains loyal to her signature wedges year after year. In an exclusive interview with the Daily Express, Chilvers highlighted comfort, timeless design, and the brand's authentic British heritage as key factors.
Comfort and Practicality for Royal Engagements
According to Chilvers, comfort is paramount for women like Duchess Sophie who spend long hours on their feet at summer events. “I think comfort is a huge part of why women like Duchess Sophie continue to wear our wedges. They’re wonderful for standing on your feet all day, particularly during summer events, and that’s incredibly important. You need something that feels elegant but is also practical enough to wear from morning until evening,” she said.
Sophie, 61, was most recently photographed wearing Penelope Chilvers’ Mary Jane Espadrilles in sand suede while recording an episode of the BBC Radio 4 drama The Archers. The wedges, priced at £149, feature a buttery-soft suede upper, a feminine Mary Jane strap, a hand-stitched jute sole, and intricate Indian toe-cap detailing.
Timeless British Brand Appeal
Chilvers also attributed the brand's popularity with royals to its focus on authentic, timeless styles rather than fleeting trends. “I also think our footwear appeals because we’re an authentic British brand. We focus on timeless styles rather than chasing short-lived trends, and that means people know they can rely on our products season after season. They become favourites that customers return to again and again,” she added.
This philosophy aligns perfectly with Sophie’s approach to fashion, which prioritises classic investment pieces over fast-changing trends. The Duchess has built a wardrobe around enduring staples, and Penelope Chilvers footwear has become a permanent fixture.
Customer Feedback and Versatility
Listening to customers has also contributed to the brand's enduring success. Chilvers noted, “People often tell us exactly where they’re wearing our shoes, whether it’s a wedding, a holiday or a special event. We know our customers extremely well, and that feedback is invaluable. It’s one of the reasons we’ve been able to build such a loyal following over the years.”
Neutral espadrille wedges are among the most versatile shoes a woman can own, suitable for summer weddings, garden parties, holidays, and countryside weekends. Sophie’s latest appearance demonstrates that comfort and style can coexist seamlessly.
Other Royal Fans of the Brand
Penelope Chilvers footwear has also been worn by the Princess of Wales and Harriet Sperling, cementing its reputation as a favourite among royals. The brand offers a range of styles, including the Mary Jane Dali espadrilles (£149), inspired by Salvador Dalí, featuring a natural jute wedge and vibrant pink embroidered canvas, and the Valencia wedges (£99, reduced from £50), which come with interchangeable ankle straps for customisation. The Santorini Atelier Satin Embroidered Espadrille (£150, reduced from £80) offers a higher wedge with embroidered crossover straps.
