Dean Girling, whose father started making shoes in the city at the age of 15, received a visit from Charles, who was then Prince of Wales, to his factory in Kettering, Northamptonshire, in early 2019.
Dean Girling has been making shoes for more than 30 years (Image: PETER HAYNES) READ MORE: City’s oldest department store lodges bid for almost 100 solar panels
The shoemaker said: “We presented him with a commemorative pair of shoes when he visited.
“And then we were later told he wanted to wear our shoes at his coronation.”
Dean, who was born in Norwich, launched Gaziano and Girling in 2006 with business partner Tony Gaziano.
The shoemaking business has since flourished with the pair focusing on crafting classic men’s shoes “with a contemporary twist” – as well as a collection for ladies.
The business specialises in men’s shoes (Image: Dean Girling) READ MORE: Tattoo and car festival causes ‘misery’ for neighbours
Dean said: “In 2006, we decided to give it a shot and started Gaziano and Girling.
“Our factory and workshops are based in Kettering simply because Northamptonshire still has a shoe industry with around 12 well-known brands still operating in the county today.”
This year, Gaziano and Girling were awarded with the Royal Warrant of Appointment as shoemakers to His Majesty King Charles III.
A warrant is given to those who have regularly supplied goods or services to the Royal Household.
Although the company is based in Mayfair, London, Dean still lives in Norfolk and says “Norwich is a fond place in my heart”.
NORWICH’S SHOEMAKING HISTORY
The city has a rich history in shoemaking which stretches as far back as the 10th century.
James Smith, a leather worker who in 1792 opened premises on the Market Place, was one of the shoemaker’s who helped put Norwich on the map as shoemaking specialists.
He started the business that then became Start-Rite Shoes.
At one point the industry was employing 12,000 people in the city across at least 30 factories.
However, rising costs of production and cheaper imports were one of the contributing factors to the decline of the industry in Norwich.