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 was very similar to one previously worn by her cousin, Princess Charlotte.
For the Easter Sunday church service in 2022, Charlotte wore a blue and white floral Rachel Riley dress with a Peter Pan collar and hand smocking.
The similarity sparked discussions about style and influence, and highlighted the connection between the Sussexes and the Wales family, despite reported tensions.
Although Harry and Meghan live in Montecito, California, with their children, Lilibet's outfit seemed to reflect a British influence, nodding to Harry's heritage — an element the designer hopes will endure.
“As many of our designs have a traditional feel, 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.
Rachel's brand is known for its vintage-inspired aesthetic and has long been a favorite of the Wales family.
Her designs, which combine traditional craftsmanship with timeless charm, have graced the wardrobes of Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis on countless occasions and contributed to their worldwide success.
“On the 22 public occasions where Welsh children have worn Rachel Riley outfits, this has always resulted in a huge spike in sales and these items have sold out quickly,” the designer explains.
When the Sussexes 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 2022 Easter Sunday church service, Charlotte donned Rachel Riley's Forget-Me-Knot Smocked Dress, £119, with a Peter Pan collar and hand smocking
“If you can buy your own child an item worn by a member of the Royal Family, it must feel like you are part of history in some small way,” she continued.
The 'George Effect' first catapulted the brand into the international spotlight in 2014, when 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 the way we dress our children here in Britain and there is of course great 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 smocked sailboat dungarees, she couldn't have anticipated the fame that would follow.
George joined 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 for this new generation of royal children. The then Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were seen as approachable and relatable as a young family, and many were attracted to what their children wore,” Rachel recalls.
'Our brand was already well known in the UK, but 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 when the prince's outfits caused sellouts worldwide (pictured with the £74 smocked sailboat trousers)
George was seen at Charlotte's christening in 2015 wearing a smocked set, reminiscent of an outfit his father wore when he first met his newborn brother Harry more than three decades earlier. The outfit now costs £94
Prince Louis was dressed in Rachel Riley Blue Tailored Shorts, which cost £49, as he attended the Easter Matins Service in 2023
Charlotte blossomed in the brand's £79 Navy Mini Floral Dress for Easter Sunday church service in 2023
It was a few years earlier that Rachel founded her label and began designing all her pieces in Britain.
She pours her passion for 50s and 60s fashion into children's clothing, with the aim of creating heritage memories that can be passed on from generation to generation.
'As a mother of three beautiful children, I started designing clothes for them during my pregnancy. “I have always loved making clothes and creating designs that no one else had,” she explained.
Rachel prides herself on traditional craftsmanship techniques such as hand embroidery, smocking and intarsia, using the finest fabrics and threads to ensure her young customers look and feel their best.
Perhaps it's this endearing aesthetic that attracted William and Kate to the brand.
A standout moment for Rachel was Charlotte's appearance in the Forget-Me-Not dress. She said: 'It was a pleasure to see Princess Charlotte looking so beautiful in our dress as she attended the Easter Sunday church service.
'With its classic hand-smocked design and adorable Peter Pan collar, this 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 symbolizing memory and love, making it a fitting choice for the occasion.
Both Kate and Meghan are known for their meaningful clothing and jewelry choices, making it likely that Lilibet will follow suit.
Rachel Riley channels her passion for 50s and 60s fashion into children's clothing designs with the ambition to create heirloom memories that can be passed down from generation to generation
Rachel prides herself on traditional techniques such as hand embroidery, smocking and intarsia, using the finest fabrics and threads to ensure children feel their best
For now, Rachel is enjoying the support of her current royal fanbase, saying: 'I could never have imagined when I founded my company over 25 years ago, in my wildest dreams that one day the Royal Family would be wearing my outfits, it really is . is an honor.'
'My team and I are always excited when the news is made around the world. It never loses the excitement or sparkle. To be part of so many people's family moments, it's a celebration.'
Rachel is quick to emphasize her appreciation for all her clients, royal or otherwise.
'I'm always happy when I see babies and children wearing one of my designs, that feeling never goes away!' she added.
Rachel's designs are aimed at children from the early years, from babies to toddlers and teenagers.
When asked if she will be disappointed if Welsh children outgrow her designs, she responded with a positive perspective.
'I see growth as a positive development. The great joy of childhood is that it is constantly evolving; You can't keep children small forever! And that's why we enjoy every moment and cherish the memories made.'
