When Prince Harry and Meghan Markle released their Christmas card featuring a photo of their daughter Princess Lilibet, royal watchers couldn’t help but notice a striking detail – her dress closely resembled one previously worn by her cousin, Princess Charlotte.
For the Easter Sunday church service in 2022, Charlotte donned a blue and white floral Rachel Riley dress with a Peter Pan collar and hand smocking.
The similarity sparked discussions about style and influence, highlighting the connection between the Sussexes and the Wales family, despite reported tensions.
Although Harry and Meghan reside in Montecito, California, with their children, Lilibet’s outfit appeared to reflect a British influence, nodding to Harry’s heritage – an element the designer hopes will continue.
‘As many of our designs have a traditional feel to them, it would be lovely to see the Sussexes’ embrace Harry’s roots in one of our designs,’ Rachel said, in an exclusive interview with MailOnline.
Known for its vintage-inspired aesthetic, Rachel’s brand has long been a favourite of the Wales family.
Her designs, combining traditional craftsmanship with timeless charm, have graced the wardrobes of Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis on numerous occasions, contributing to its global success.
‘On the 22 public occasions that the Wales children have been wearing Rachel Riley outfits, this has always prompted a massive spike in sales and these items are quick to sell out,’ the designer explained.
When the Sussex family released their Christmas card featuring an adorable photo of Princess Lilibet, royal watchers couldn’t help but notice a striking detail – her dress resembled one previously worn by her cousin, Princess Charlotte
For the Easter Sunday church service in 2022, Charlotte donned Rachel Riley’s Forget-Me-Knot Smocked Dress, £119, with a Peter Pan collar and hand smocking
‘Being able to purchase an item worn by a member of the Royal Family for one’s own child must feel like being part of history in some small way,’ she continued.
The ‘George effect’ first catapulted the brand into the international spotlight in 2014 as the Prince’s outfits caused sellouts worldwide.
The US, Rachel noted, has become her fastest growing market, driven by American admiration for British style and royal fashion.
‘Many Americans are fans of how we dress our children here in the UK and, of course, there’s a huge interest in the Royal Family across the pond,’ she explained.
‘We have a separate US website and showroom on the East Coast in New York and we recently launched a capsule collection for Eloise at The Plaza, which is available on our website and in-store at Saks Fifth Avenue.’
When Rachel first saw nine-month-old George wearing her Sailboat Smocked Dungarees, she could not have foreseen the fame that would follow.
George was accompanying his parents, on a three-week tour of Australia and New Zealand when he wore a total of four outfits from her brand.
‘When Prince George was born, there was so much international interest and excitement about this new generation of royal children. The then Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were seen as accessible and relatable as a young family and so many were drawn to what their children were wearing,’ Rachel recalled.
‘Our brand was already well known in the UK, however those early appearances certainly made us a household name worldwide, from the US to China and India!’
The ‘George effect’ first catapulted the brand into the international spotlight in 2014 as the Prince’s outfits caused sellouts worldwide (pictured wearing the £74 Sailboat Smocked Dungarees)
George was seen wearing a Smocked Set for Charlotte’s christening in 2015, reminiscent of an outfit his father wore when meeting his newborn brother, Harry, for the first time more than thirty years earlier. The outfit now costs £94
Prince Louis was dressed in Rachel Riley Blue Tailored Shorts, costing £49, when he attended the Easter Matins Service in 2023
Charlotte bloomed in the brand’s £79 Navy Mini Floral Dress for the Easter Sunday church service in 2023
It was some years earlier that Rachel established her label and began designing all her pieces in the UK.
She infuses her passion for 50s and 60s fashion into childrenswear, aiming to create heirloom keepsakes that can be passed down the generations.
‘As a mother to three wonderful children, I started designing clothes for them when I was pregnant. I have always loved making clothes and creating designs which no one else had,’ she explained.
Rachel takes pride in traditional craftsmanship techniques, such as hand embroidery, smocking and intarsia, incorporating the finest fabrics and yarns to ensure that her young customers look and feel their best.
Perhaps it is this endearing aesthetic that attracted William and Kate to the brand.
One standout moment for Rachel was Charlotte’s appearance in the Forget-Me-Not dress. She said: ‘It was such a pleasure to see Princess Charlotte looking so pretty in our dress as she attended the Easter Sunday Church service.
‘With its classic hand-smocked design and cute peter pan collar, it is the perfect Easter outfit for any little girl to feel spring-ready.’
The print was created in-house as part of the Heritage Collection, with the flower symbolising remembrance and love, making it a fitting choice for the occasion.
Both Kate and Meghan are known for their meaningful clothing and jewellery choices, making it likely that Lilibet will follow suit.
Rachel Riley infuses her passion for 50s and 60s fashion into childrenswear designs with an ambition to create heirloom keepsakes that could be passed down through the generations
Rachel takes great pride in traditional techniques, such as hand embroidery, smocking and intarsia, incorporating the finest fabrics and yarns to ensure youngsters feel their best
For now, Rachel enjoys the support of her current royal fan base, saying: ‘I could never have dreamt when I set up my business over 25 years ago, in my wildest dreams that one day the royals would be wearing my outfits, it really is an honour.’
‘My team and I are always excited each time it makes headline news across the world. It just never loses the excitement or sparkle. To be part of so many people’s family moments, it’s such a treat.’
Rachel is quick to emphasise her appreciation for all her customers, royal or not.
‘I’m always delighted whenever I see babies and children wearing one of my designs, that feeling never goes away,!’ she added.
Rachel’s designs cater to children through their early years, from babies to toddlers and pre-teens.
When asked if she will be disappointed when the Wales children outgrow her designs, she responded with a positive perspective.
‘I view growth as a positive development. The great joy of childhood is that it is ever evolving – you can’t keep children small forever! And that is why we enjoy every moment and cherish the memories made.’
