The Princess Royal, Princess Anne, a member of the British royal family paid a visit to the Edward Green factory in Northampton on 29 October, highlighting the timeless craftsmanship that defines British shoemaking and the brand’s growing global success.
During her visit, Princess Anne viewed a pair of her own shoe lasts made for her in the 1990s. The family-run company employs 60 skilled shoemakers at its Northampton workshop, a city long known for its shoemaking excellence.
About 80% of Edward Green’s shoes are exported, with Japan, Italy and the US among its key markets. The company’s business in the US alone has seen a 45% year-on-year rise.
Princess Anne toured the workshop, observing both traditional and modern techniques. She watched artisans sew shoe uppers by hand using boar bristles and observed the use of CAD software to design new patterns.
As President of the UK Fashion and Textile Association (UKFT), Princess Anne often visits British manufacturers to support and promote local craftsmanship.
Edward Green has been producing handmade shoes since 1890. Today, around 200 pairs are completed each week, combining time-honoured skills with modern precision.
Each pair is crafted to last decades and many are later returned for resoling or refurbishment.
The brand’s shoes, known for their rich antiqued leathers and meticulous hand-finishing, are sold worldwide through flagship stores in London and Paris as well as international retailers such as Isetan in Tokyo, Leffot in New York and Mr Porter online.
Princess Anne’s visit serves as a reminder of how traditional British craftsmanship continues to thrive globally, bridging heritage with modern demand.
