Duchess of Cambridge beats Meghan Markle to be named this year's top royal style influencer

From the Duchess of Sussex’s enviable collection of Strathberry bags to her newfound love of Brit label Marks and Spencer, the ‘Meghan Effect’ pulls the strings when it comes to our shopping habits.

But it may come as a surprise to learn that the Duchess of Cambridge still reigns the fashion industry as this year’s top style muse – all thanks to her undeniable influence on the maternity market.

According to eBay‘s annual UK retail report, the 36-year-old has greater sartorial pulling power than her sister-in-law with the royal’s maternity style generating more searches on eBay than any other member of the Windsor clan in the past year.

Throughout 2018, searches for the Duchess of Cambridge’s go-to designers Alexander McQueen, Jenny Packham and Seraphine experienced a 20% increase in search.

While her seriously covetable collection of tailored maternity coats also sparked nationwide interest, as search for similar garments tripled according to the second-hand website.

But it doesn’t stop there. When the Duchess of Cambridge famously debuted Prince Louis to the world from the Lindo Wing steps, search for Jenny Packham – the designer behind her now-famous red smock dress – more than doubled.

But fashion fans following the Duchess of Sussex‘s every sartorial move needn’t worry, as the royal comes in second in the style stakes.

Shortly after the former actress graced the aisle in a sweeping Givenchy wedding gown, searches for the French fashion house rose by an impressive 60% – with 55 users searching eBay for pieces by the label per hour.

While the Stella McCartney halterneck number she wore to her wedding reception at Frogmore House also saw royal fans take to their laptops as search for the brand doubled.

Rob Hattrell, UK vice president of eBay, revealed: “While Meghan was clearly the focus of the fashion pages this year, Kate‘s distinctive style has long been a hit with shoppers on eBay since her wedding in 2011.”

“We always see an uptick in searches around landmark royal events and 2018 was a bumper year for small businesses on eBay, with both the birth of Prince Louis and Meghan and Harry’s wedding driving purchases across the nation.”

But there’s a new generation of fashion influencers in the making, as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s eldest children also have a reign over the industry.

According to the newly-released stats, Princess Charlotte is already the third most influential royal thanks to her sell-out looks.

The three-year-old is reportedly worth £3 billion and the flower crown she wore as a bridesmaid to the royal wedding sparked a 60% increase for similar accessories on eBay.

Her brother Prince George on the other hand, who already has an economic contribution of approximately £2.4 billion, came in fourth position.

But it’s hardly surprising, as every look he’s photographed in – whether it’s an Annafie romper or Rachel Riley smocked set – reaches sell-out status within a mere matter of minutes.

Most recently, his Trooping the Colour 2018 appearance on the Buckingham Palace balcony inspired a 30% increase in search for similar outfits. While his Peter Pan-inspired collar shirts have led to a steady rise in search throughout the year.

In fifth place comes his great-grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, courtesy of her love of sparkly brooches. According to eBay, 16 brooches are sold every minute on the site with an almost 20% increase in searches in February.

Who do you think deserved to be crowned 2018’s top royal style influencer?

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Read more from Yahoo Style UK:

Every look the Duchess of Cambridge has worn in 2018

Meghan Markle’s style file: Every outfit the Duchess of Sussex has worn in public

How Meghan Markle is switching up the royal fashion game