The clever reason Kate Middleton always carries a clutch instead of a handbag

Princess Kate in Blackpool
-Credit: (Image: 2019 Max Mumby/Indigo)


Kate Middleton isn't just known for her dedicated charity work and role in the British Royal Family - she's also a globally renowned fashion icon. Her monumental influence is shown in 'The Kate Effect', as any time she is spotted in a new outfit, the clothes usually sell out in a matter of minutes.

The Princess of Wales has been out of the spotlight for the past few months whilst undergoing cancer treatment, but when her public engagements resume, there's no doubt she'll be wowing her fans once again with her clothing choices. Whether she's gracing the red carpet in a shimmering, floor-skimming Jenny Packham gown or pictured relaxed with her family in a boho-style Veronica Beard dress, Kate's dress sense no doubt contributes to her perfectly curated public image.

But there's a number of less obvious techniques the Princess of Wales employs to sidestep potential embarrassments while in the public eye. Alongside hairnets to maintain impeccably styled locks, she deploys another clever strategy. Regularly seen with a clutch bag at formal events, it not only accessorises her ensemble and holds essentials but also serves a tactical function.

READ MORE: Princess Kate update on return to more royal duties amid cancer fight

Royal etiquette expert Myka Meier from Beaumont Etiquette disclosed to Good Housekeeping that Catherine tactically utilises her bag to navigate socially tricky situations, saying she "holds her bag in front of her in both hands when shaking hands might be awkward." Apparently, even princesses encounter awkward moments.

Etiquette guru, William Hanson, explained to the Daily Mail: "It is protocol that you do not extend your hand to any member of the Royal Family (blood Royal or those who have married into the family) unless their hand extends first - hence why Kate often opts for a bag that keeps both her hands occupied." But Kate isn't the only Royal to use her clutch bag for more than just carrying essentials. Her late mother-in-law, Diana, Princess of Wales, also had a clever trick up her sleeve.

Many will recall some of Diana's most iconic looks - like the gown she wore while dancing with John Travolta at the White House or her infamous 'revenge dress' - but she also left her mark on the fashion world in another way. The former Princess of Wales was known for strategically placing her clutch bag when exiting a car.

Diana herself referred to this as her 'cleavage clutch' - a move designed to shield her modesty from the eager cameras of photographers as she disembarked from her vehicle. This became a signature move for the princess, who was frequently photographed clutching her bag close to her chest.

Anya Hindmarch, a handbag designer based in Chelsea, regularly assisted the Princess of Wales with her accessories after opening her West London shop in 1993. Speaking to the Telegraph, Hindmarch said: "She was a very loyal customer and a lot of fun... she would come and see us with no bodyguards or any fuss."

The designer reminisced: "We used to laugh when we designed what she called her 'cleavage bags,' little satin clutches which she would cover her cleavage with when she stepped out of cars."

While Diana was undeniably a fashion icon, other royals have also harnessed the practical power of their handbags. The late Queen cleverly used her bag to send messages to her staff, much like her ancestors used fans. According to an article in Grazia, just as subtle fan signals once held meaning among royalty, the Queens handbag placements were equally telling. By placing her bag on the table during a meal, Her Majesty indicated the event should wrap up within five minutes, while a handbag touching the floor was a silent plea for her lady-in-waiting to steer her away from a dull conversation.

Royal historian Hugo Vickers revealed the secret behind these Royal communications. The queen typically carried her handbag over her left arm, thus a switch to the right arm signaled that she wished for the staff to step in and politely conclude the exchange, ensuring that tedious encounters were cut short without causing a scene. He remarked: "This move is a discreet directive that she would like staff to help end the conversation."

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