Reiss and Whistles are to repeat for spring 11 the items worn by Queen-in-waiting and budding style icon Kate Middleton for her official engagement photographs following an uplift in demand. 

In a huge coup for the premium high street chains, Middleton selected a dress from Reiss and a top from Whistles for the photographs taken by fashion photographer Mario Testino and printed around the world this weekend.

Both items will be re-released for spring 11 following a surge in demand.

Middleton selected a white knee-length belted dress with a draped collar and a curving petal skirt by Reiss for a formal picture with Prince William. The dress, priced at around £170, appeared in a previous season and Reiss confirmed it would be repeated for spring 11 and would be available from January. In another less formal picture Middleton wore a 100% silk white embroidered scallop-edged blouse from Whistles which will also be re-released following a surge in demand, priced at £95 and due to hit shops in the New Year. The original item was from Shepherdson’s first collection for Whistles in Autumn 08 and the chain has continued to repeat versions since.

Whistles chief executive Jane Shepherdson said: “It’s a very cool choice for Kate to make. A beautiful blouse with embroidered cuff detail and delicate raw-edged appliqué on the front, that is completely of the moment and classic at the same time, which is something we always try to achieve. It has a slightly vintage look about it, and she will be able to wear it for many seasons to come.”

A Whistles spokeswoman added: “Due to a surge of customer interest we will be re-releasing the ‘Kate’ blouse as a limited edition in early 2011.”

Reiss brand director Andy Rogers said: “It is great that the future Queen of England is endorsing the high street.”

Prince William wore a navy blue suit and tie by luxury shirt maker Turnbull and Asser for the photographs and in the informal shot, a brown jumper by luxury Italian brand Brunello Cucinelli, which The SundayTelegraph said Testino had lent him.

Middleton chose a sapphire-blue Issa dress to announce her engagement to Prince William last month, which flew off the shelves at stockists. It lead to dresses in a similar style selling out at supermarket Tesco and value chain Peacocks priced £16 and £14 respectively.