Princess Kate’s Handbags Reflect Her Timeless Style — and You Can Now Grab Them on Sale
Royal fashion expert Monica Marriott-Mills takes a closer look at Kate Middleton's most iconic handbags, which are now on sale.
It's no secret that Kate Middleton is a masterclass in timeless fashion and elegance, long revered as a style icon. Her influence is so powerful that it has earned a name, the 'Kate Effect', with outfits she wears selling out within minutes. With that level of sartorial power, royal fashion watchers scrutinize every detail of her look, particularly her accessories. Now, fashion expert Monica Marriott-Mills takes a closer look at Middleton's most iconic handbags, revealing how each piece subtly enhances her polished yet refreshingly grounded aesthetic.
Speaking to Marie Claire, Marriott-Mills stressed that the Princess of Wales is celebrated for dressing elegantly, with her subtle looks reflecting her grounded nature. She revealed that one of Middleton's go-to favorite handbags is the Aspinal London Mayfair bag, which she often carries for formal occasions and public events. She said, "I think that throughout history there have always been key bag shapes and styles that have remained consistently popular, with the top handle bag being one. The Mayfair Bag is the epitome of a classic top-handle leather handbag, a style loved not only for its elegance, but also for its versatility."
Marriott-Mills also drew a comparison to the late Queen Elizabeth's well-known liking for Launer handbags. Much like Middleton today, the Queen was rarely seen at royal engagements without a Launer by her side. The fashion expert continued, "By consistently wearing recognizable styles and brands, it can be seen to instil an air of reliability and steadiness to her [Middleton's] onlookers." The Princess of Wales owns four handbags from Aspinal of London, a brand she embraced long before joining the royal family. In fact, in 2011, before becoming a Duchess, she was photographed carrying an Aspinal clutch to a friend's wedding.
While it's easy to assume that handbags fit for a future Queen would come with an eye-watering price tag, Aspinal of London's coveted designs are currently available at a discount. With prices starting at $350 and ranging to $1,050, the timeless styles can be found on the brand's website, offering royal fashion fans a rare opportunity to indulge. Reflecting on the appeal of the versatile bags, Marriott-Mills concluded, "Their quality, designs, and service are sublime, so it comes as no surprise that she's [Middleton] been a fan of their bags for over a decade!"
As for Middleton's savvy fashion sense, 'Kate Effect' describes her powerful influence on fashion and consumer behavior, where items she wears boost brand visibility. Vogue Australia has underscored that her outfits spark immediate sell-outs, highlighting her commercial impact on the fashion industry. Research has linked her influence to millions in sales value, underscoring how her choices shape trends across high fashion and high street labels. Middleton's love for structured clutches to classic totes frequently sets accessory trends, with designers reporting increased interest after she's been spotted carrying their pieces.
