It's a truth universally acknowledged that the Princess of Wales has an impeccable sense of style. It's one we've all been trying to copy since Kate and William announced their engagement way back in 2010!
Elegant handbags play a key part in her capsule wardrobe, and she's got an impressive collection of brands including high end labels like Chanel and Hermes, as well as some more affordable designer bags by the likes of Strathberry and DeMellier
Mini top handle bags seem to be a particular favourite, which as woman&home's Royal Editor Emma Shacklock points out, "fit in seamlessly with her preferred smart-casual style. Unlike a crossbody bag which is inherently a bit more casual and perfect for popping on for running errands, clutch and top handle bags have a more formal feel to them which is perfect for official royal events and engagements.
She added "holding onto her bags could also perhaps be a way for Kate to keep her hands busy at high profile situations when she is being regularly photographed."
Kate Middleton's best handbags
Kate Middleton's best handbags: Top handle bags
Another style Kate has in several colours - including lilac and shiny black croc - this is a very elegant bag. It's available in three different sizes, and Aspinal is currently running a huge Black Friday sale. 20% off such an iconic design is pretty impressive.
Kate loves this DeMellier bag so much she has it in both toffee and navy blue. woman&home readers can get 20% off at DeMellier with the code W&H20 until 2nd December, bringing it down to £264. The discount is on everything - including the coveted New York tote bag you've probably come across on social media.
Strathberry bags are instantly recognisable thanks to their gold metal hardware and Quiet Luxury designs. Kate carried this at one of her very festive Together at Christmas carol services. Certain colours of the mosaic bag are currently reduced for Black Friday by a whopping 25%, making it £356.25 - including the raspberry red and burgundy.
Mulberry Black Friday deals are what you really want to spend your money on this week, and this version of Kate's favourite little white bag will become a go-to in your accessories collection. Kate's version has covered white hardware, but I actually love the silver trim.
Along with her go-to Mulberry bags, Kate is also a fan of Polene Paris handbags, particularly this Numéro Sept Mini - complete with gold detailing on the handles and clasp. She carried this satchel-style bag during her visit to the University of Glasgow in May 2022, complementing the blue tones of her super chic outfit.
Kate was pictured carrying the Mini Holly Tusting handbag in September 2021 and we've loved it ever since. It's the ultimate style for minimalists, plus Tusting has been a family-run business for five generations, and the designs are made in the UK.
Kate Middleton's best handbags: Clutch bags
Taking inspiration from Princess Diana's style, Kate paired a high-neck polka dot dress with this simple cream clutch for the Order of the Garter Service at Windsor Castle last year. It perfectly offsets the busy polka dots and matched her layered pearl bracelet.
If Kate's style over the years teaches us anything, it's that she loves to coordinate her clutch bags to her coat dresses for royal events and outings - especially this particular Emmy London Natasha clutch. In fact, the last time we counted, she owns at least 12 of these clutches. And they're now 20% off for Black Friday!
Can you believe this high street handbag is still available to buy? In 100% mint green suede, it's the perfect pastel to complement the best wedding guest dresses. It's currently 25% off so don't miss out!
Kate Middleton's best handbags: Tote bags
When it comes to larger bags, especially for travel, Kate opts for roomy totes. The Panama East West Zip Tote is another perfect example of a Quiet Luxury bag thanks to its simple and minimalist design. This is an updated version of the one we've seen Kate carry on numerous occasions, likely thanks to its versatility and convenient size. It's now reduced to half price, so this is the best deal we've found!
Kate has several different colourways and sizes of her beloved Longchamp bag, which she's been carrying since as far back as 2005. Look around on your morning commute and you'll see that these beauties are back in a big way.
Kate loves the 'Quincy' white leather tote bag by Victoria Beckham, which she's taken along with her to Wimbledon and to watch the polo. It's a decade old now, but the W11 bag from VB's current collection will do the trick nicely! If you're worried about keeping cream clean, read our how to clean a leather handbag guide.
FAQs
What is Princess Kate's favourite handbag?
Our expert Emma Shacklock gave us some insights into Kate's bag collection. She told us: "as the Princess of Wales and future Queen of the United Kingdom it’s perhaps no surprise that Kate is one of the biggest champions of British clothing and accessory brands and she’s regularly been spotted carrying bags from Strathberry, Aspinal and Mulberry.
"These brands are known for their quality craftsmanship and beautifully timeless designs - both things that Kate values highly. They instantly elevate any look and never go out of style, which is also likely a big factor for the Princess as she is known for re-wearing her staples time and time again."
But for the sheer amount of different colourways she owns, perhaps the crown has to go to the Emmy London Natasha clutch bag.
Which Longchamp bag does Kate Middleton use?
Much like Princess Anne, Kate is a big fan of the Longchamp Pliage bag. She carried a brown version of her beloved nylon tote back in her university days (including at her graduation from St Andrews!) and in more recent times has occasionally been spotted carrying a larger, navy blue version when travelling.
As to what she carries inside this perfectly curated collection of arm candy? Of course, we’ll never truly know what Kate carries in her handbag for royal engagements, but Emma thinks she likely carries her beloved Clarins Instant Light Lip Perfector as a balm for her lips and perhaps a practical packet of tissues and a pen."
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