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Queen Elizabeth II might be known for her love of bright colours, bold hats, and impressive necklaces, but when it comes to footwear, it looks like the British monarch has actually always been ahead of the curve. While the horsebit loafer has had a bit of a renaissance thanks to everyone's newfound love for Gucci, Queen Elizabeth has actually been wearing a very similar, custom-made pair for decades.
Made by West London shoemaker Anello & Davide — one of the few brands that the queen trusts — the loafers have a crocodile effect and slight heel, which allows her to stay comfortable as she goes about her day. In fact, Queen Elizabeth goes to great lengths to make sure her shoes won't give her any blisters: one of her staff members has the very delicate (and probably painful) job of breaking in her shoes before she wears them. According to the Evening Standard, that person has to wear a pair of beige cotton socks while doing so and is only allowed to walk on the carpet inside Buckingham Palace.
From train journeys and royal visits to her first official event alongside Meghan Markle, get a closer look at Queen Elizabeth's beloved loafers, then shop some similar iterations.