Kate Middleton is officially the most popular fashion influencer

(Image credit: 2020 Samir Hussein)

It is official: Kate Middleton isn't just the most stylish royal, she's the most popular fashion influencer in the UK, above celebrities such as Holly Willoughby.

This is the second year in a row that she's snagged the top spot, overtaking another royal, Meghan Markle, who had caused searches for her style to increase by 219% after her engagement to Prince Harry.

According to date combined by LoveTheSales.com, it was Kate Middleton's dresses which helped her overtake other celebs, no small feat given the very few royal engagements this year due to the pandemic.

The purple floral Faithfull the Brand frock she wore this summer to visit Children's Hospice The Nook in Framlingham Earl, Norfolk, was especially popular, driving 112% more searches for it.

Other fashion searches linked to her style included Broderie Anglaise shirts, scalloped cardigans and checkered overcoats, in reference to her Zoom outfits as well as her royal tour wardrobe in December.

But fear not, the Duchess of Sussex wasn't too far behind, placing at a reasonable third place for style influence, behind Kate and This Morning host Holly Willoughby.

Fans particularly loved Meghan's more casual vibes this year, searching for utility trousers, chambray shirts, utility shorts and linen dresses.

Penny Goldstone

Penny Goldstone is the Contributing Fashion Editor at Marie Claire UK. She writes about catwalk trends and the latest high street and Instagram sartorial must-haves. She also helms the Women Who Win franchise.

She has worked in fashion for over 10 years, contributing to publications such as Cosmopolitan, Red, Good Housekeeping, and Stylist.