When Kate Middleton married Prince William in the summer of 2011, the sloane ranger with the glossy blow-dry was affiliated with one shoe: the LK Bennett Sledge. The patent pumps took the Duchess of Cambridge everywhere, precisely because of their color: a go-with-anything “nude”, and the heel height: a wearable platform far sturdier than a dangerous stiletto.
As time went on, Kate graduated from her Issa and Joseph dresses and forged relationships with British houses, such as Alexander McQueen and Jenny Packham. Somewhere along the way, her style council pointed out that a shiny almond-toe platform was perhaps not the most polished option for a royal standing shoulder to shoulder with global figureheads. The high-street hero that had served her well so far was due an upgrade.
Her next port of call was footwear titan Jimmy Choo, who, as it happens, had just launched a new all-star player: the Romy. The versatile point-toe pump, far more leg lengthening than rounder styles, comes in three heel heights—60mm, 85mm and 100mm—that are perfect for the demands of a modern-day Duchess. Even better? The color options. Today, there are 25 Romys available to buy, from classic black leather to plush navy velvets and softer tones for those, like Kate Middleton, who have always considered muted shoes to be a wardrobe mainstay.
Kate, like many Choo fanatics, has made good use of the made-to-order service, which opens up a wider array of options, including an added 10mm on the maximum heel height. Color matching her shoes to her bespoke formal looks by Catherine Walker has become a hallmark of her style (she has great color blocking inspiration from Her Majesty The Queen).
But it’s not all black for evening and navy for day, Kate had a Cinderella moment in a pair of glitter-encrusted heels back in 2019. Worn with an off-the-shoulder dress by Barbara Casasola, a hot name in fashion at the time, the look marked the Duchess’s most directional moment to date. Since then, Kate has fallen for the charm of Manolo Blahnik’s Carrie Bradshaw-approved Hangisi heels, but back then a disco ball heel was big news in Kensington Palace.
“The Romy heels have become her trusted friend,” says Sandra Choi, Jimmy Choo’s creative director, of the brand’s 24:7 style. “Their poised elegance, refined glamour and versatility provides a style that you can be confident in.” Jimmy Choo Romys might not be the loudest heels at the party, but they certainly won’t be the ones you have to take off half way through the night. Royals like dancing too, you know.
