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The Royal Family is well known for embracing country life and outdoor pursuits, making hard-wearing footwear an essential part of their wardrobes.
From King Charles and the Princess of Wales to Zara Tindall, royals have repeatedly been seen wearing the countryside classic: the Wellington boot.
With their knee-high rubber construction, wellies are ideal for muddy walks and rainy days. Royal favourites include heritage names such as Le Chameau and Hunter, particularly in enduring shades of olive green and black.
Princess Kate, for example, is known to favour Le Chameau’s green Vierzonord Neoprene boots. Created for comfort and practicality, they feature an adjustable waterproof gusset for a secure fit, while the neoprene lining adds warmth in colder weather.
The French label makes its boots by hand at its historic atelier in Casablanca, Morocco, which has been central to Le Chameau’s production since 1949. Designed for longevity rather than passing trends, the boots are an investment intended to stay in a wardrobe for years.
Zara Tindall, meanwhile, has worn Le Chameau’s collaboration with Fairfax & Favor. The design pairs the function of a traditional Wellington with the British brand’s instantly recognisable Regina boot styling.
Available in a subdued khaki green, the limited-edition wellies also feature a neoprene lining to help keep feet warm and dry.
The late Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Diana were both known to wear Hunter Wellington boots, choosing the British brand’s practical designs for country excursions and dog walks.
That royal connection continues, with Queen Camilla and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, both embracing Hunter’s Original Tall style.
Meghan was famously photographed in the glossy black version at her California home, appearing in the chicken coop with her son Archie during her 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey.
Thanks to their tall profile and waterproof construction, Hunter’s classic wellies provide dependable coverage in muddy fields and downpours while retaining a polished, stylish look.
But it’s not just royals who have helped cement the Wellington boot’s fashion credentials. Long before wellies became a staple of everyday street style, Kate Moss proved just how effortlessly cool they could look.
Fashion fans will remember the model making headlines at Glastonbury in 2005, pairing tiny denim shorts with black Hunter wellies. The now-iconic outfit transformed practical wet-weather footwear into a bona fide fashion statement.
Kate Moss also famously wore the Original Tall boots in black, a style that remains a cult favourite today.
Since then, Wellington boots have gone firmly mainstream. From Bella Hadid to Harper Beckham, countless famous faces have embraced the silhouette, proving that you no longer need a downpour to justify pulling on a pair.
Indeed, while wellies may be an obvious choice for a country weekend, they can easily be incorporated into an everyday wardrobe.
Try pairing them with a crisp blouse and pleated skirt for a polished look, or wear them with a chunky jumper and jeans for a casual take.
High fashion has officially given the trend its seal of approval, too. On the runway for Chanel’s Cruise collection, thigh-high wader-style wellies were styled with mini dresses, showcasing just how far the humble Wellington has come.
And then there are the British brands that know a thing or two about dressing for the rain.
Barbour, Burberry, Holland Cooper and Joules all offer their own take on the Wellington, bringing a distinctly British sensibility to the practical staple without making you look as though you’ve just been handed a checklist for a Duke of Edinburgh expedition.
Today’s designs are sleek, stylish and surprisingly versatile, proving that when it comes to wet-weather dressing, practicality and fashion can happily coexist.
