We pay a lot of attention to what clothes to wear in the heat and often forget that our footwear can be just as, if not more, important. Sandals, ballet flats and wedges are always popular choices in the summer, but for a more elevated feel it doesn’t come much chicer than the Princess of Wales’s Camilla Elphick slingbacks.
Kate is rarely seen wearing flats and the kitten heels she wore to the polo in July 2023 are a great alternative to higher heels. They were the Lucia Tan Slingbacks and it’s a testament to their timelessness that this style is still made by the brand.
The Lucia shoes are made from leather with a contrasting, patent pointed toe and an angular kitten heel. The buckle fastening on the slingback strap is pearlescent and although they come in several colours, the Princess’s tan ones are my favourite.
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You can currently bag yourself a brilliant discount on these timeless Celinna slingbacks from Dune. They come in several colours and this neutral 'sand' shade is very versatile - and the most similar to Kate's shoes. The toes are pointed and the slingback strap fastens with a buckle at the ankle.
These slingbacks in the "French tan" colour remind me of Kate's heels, and they have an adjustable strap with a buckle. The angled heel is low and manageable for the daytime as well as for evenings out. Slip on with a midi dress like the Princess's or with white jeans and a floaty top.
The slingback strap on these kitten-heel shoes is elasticated for comfort and security. They have a pointed toe with a brooch detail on the top that brings a touch of interest to the very classic design. They have a glossy, patent-esque finish.
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Featuring a sleek pointed-toed silhouette and embellished with a metallic accent on the front, these classic slingbacks with a twist feel so elegant. They have a small 6cm kitten heel and are made from recycled faux leather.
Some people will always prefer a sturdy block heel to a kitten heel and these slingbacks are great for adding some extra elevation without compromising on comfort like you would with high heels. Made from leather, they have a pointed toe.
Metallic shades are surprisingly easy to style and a pair of gold slingbacks like these instantly adds a glamorous edge to an occasionwear outfit. The strap is adjustable and keeps your feet secure and I'd wear them with a matching gold clutch bag.
You can’t go far wrong with a pair of neutral heels and slingbacks are a summer capsule wardrobe must-have. Unlike court shoes which are strictly non-seasonal with their classic design, the half-open style of slingbacks scream summer in a subtle way.
When you want something more sophisticated than a strappy sandal to wear with your favourite summer dresses, these heels are perfect. Something like Kate’s slingbacks would also work with jeans and a blouse to make a more relaxed but still put-together outfit.
Opting for manageable, kitten heel slingbacks will give you even more flexibility when it comes to incorporating them into both day and evening outfits.
These lower heels feel quite cool and contemporary and are comfier to wear for long periods of time than a high stiletto. The future Queen wore her Camilla Elphick kitten heel slingbacks for a sunny day at the Out-Sourcing Inc. Royal Charity Polo Cup at Guards Polo Club.
She walked effortlessly across grass in her shoes and wore them with a floaty blue and white Beulah dress. Last summer, Kate brought them back out when she attended the Men’s Singles Final at Wimbledon alongside Princess Charlotte and Pippa Middleton.
Once again, the Princess provided tennis-enthusiasts with plenty of inspiration for what to wear to Wimbledon and chose a bright purple midi dress.
The neutral colour of the slingbacks complemented the vibrancy of the dress and they were clearly comfy enough for what is usually quite a busy day at the tennis. Wimbledon 2025 is drawing closer and I would love to see the Princess of Wales step out in these shoes again if she makes another high-profile appearance.
Kate has a few other pairs of slingbacks in her wardrobe, including her gorgeous two-tone Alicia flats, which are also by Camilla Elphick. She wore them to the polo in 2022 and although the Royal Charity Polo Cup is a special event, it’s not a royal engagement, so the Princess can enjoy wearing smart-casual outfits and shoes like these.
