Princess Anne's classic Aspinal bag and unique heart-shaped brooch prove the royal has always had timeless style

The Princess Royal wore a stunning heart-shaped brooch and a classic Aspinal handbag as she attended a royal engagement in Belfast

Princess Anne's Aspinal handbag
(Image credit: Finnbarr Webster / Contributor / Getty Images)

Princess Anne's Aspinal handbag was the star of the show as the Princess Royal stepped out in Belfast.


The Princess Royal showed her thrifty nature as she appeared at a royal engagement in Northern Ireland on Tuesday, April 25, 2023. The Princess appeared in Belfast to attend the reopening of HMS Caroline and the Pumphouse at Alexandra Dock in the Titanic Quarter.

HMS Caroline shared photographs of the royal in attendance in a tweet that read, "Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal officially reopened HMS Caroline today. As Patron of the National Museum of the Royal Navy, She viewed the extensive restoration and refurbishment of Belfast’s remarkable First World War ship."

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Images showed that the Princess wore a checked green and navy coat that featured a high collar and big buttons placed down the center of the look. The Princess paired this coat with a teal pashmina which she tucked neatly into the front of her coat and also perfectly complemented her navy slim-fit trousers.

However, it was the Princess' accessories that were the real star of the show. The Princess wore the Navy Shoulder bag from Aspinal London's 2013 Collection. This showed the Princess' thrifty nature as instead of selecting a fast fashion trend, and purchasing something new, she selected a bag that was made a decade ago to accompany this look. 

Sadly, this bag is no longer stocked by Aspinal, but there are a number of similar bags made from navy leather and featuring a chain metal strap that are still sold by the brand.


Lottie Bag, Navy Quilted Kaviar, (£550) $755.00 |Aspinal

Lottie Bag, Navy Quilted Kaviar, (<a href="https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=kXQk6%2AivFEQ&mid=50405&u1=hawk-custom-tracking&murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.aspinaloflondon.com%2Fproducts%2Fsmall-lottie-bag-in-navy-quilted-kaviar" data-link-merchant="aspinaloflondon.com"" target="_blank">£550) <a href="https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=kXQk6%2AivFEQ&mid=50405&u1=hawk-custom-tracking&murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.aspinaloflondon.com%2Fproducts%2Fsmall-lottie-bag-in-navy-quilted-kaviar" data-link-merchant="aspinaloflondon.com"" data-link-merchant="aspinaloflondon.com"" target="_blank">$755.00 |Aspinal

Feminine and elegant, our Lottie Bag is a true investment piece designed to take you from day to night. Handcrafted from the finest full-grain leather, the shoulder bag is finished with our signature letterbox closure and an elegant chain strap to be worn over the shoulder or across the body. A versatile addition to your accessory wardrobe, make it unique by personalising with initials on the shield tab.

The Princess also wore a stunning and unique brooch for this royal engagement. The Princess has a wide selection of brooches in her collection, but this was a particularly eye-catching look. The Princess wore a bright silver heart-shaped brooch that featured two fish circling a celtic triangle shape and holding a blue gemstone in their mouths. Although this brooch has not been identified, it is thought that it may have some significance to Ireland, hence the decision to wear it to an event in Belfast.

Laura Harman

Laura is a news writer for woman&home who primarily covers entertainment and celebrity news. Laura dabbles in lifestyle, royal, beauty, and fashion news, and loves to cover anything and everything to do with television and film. She is also passionate about feminism and equality and loves writing about gender issues and feminist literature.


Laura loves drinking and eating and can often be found trying to get reservations at London's trendiest restaurants. When she's not wining and dining, Laura can also be found travelling, baking, and hiking with her dog.