One of the things we have gotten used to seeing as part of the Duchess of Cambridge’s outfits since officially joining the Royal Family has been the accessorizing of her look with a clutch. Whether it’s a bespoke version or a clutch from one of her favourite high-street brands, Kate favours clutches when on official duty and has quite an extensive collection of them.
We reached out to the fabulous @KateMidleton on Instagram who recently did a deep dive into both Kate’s clutch collection and just what is inside those bags and we are delighted to share with you today Katie’s answers to the question of just what is in Kate’s clutch.
Kate has never carried a handbag with her to an official royal engagement; not only is such a large item not necessary when visiting a particular charity for a couple of hours, but it isn’t as subtle as a small clutch. While clutches are typically used to carry things such as a cellphone, car keys and money (none of which Kate needs during an engagement) or lipstick and tissues, this is not the primary function for Kate’s clutches. The Duchess is always accompanied by her assistant who carries any necessities Kate may need such as sunglasses or a headband.
Her Majesty the Queen, on the other hand, has always preferred to carry top-handle bags for things like her reading glasses and fountain pens. Unlike the Queen, Kate has never opened up her clutch bag to take anything out during an engagement. Katie shares, “I’ve only seen her open it a couple of times to put little things she has been given inside. It wouldn’t be surprising at all if there was absolutely nothing inside her purses. She’s hardly going to apply lipstick or pop a mint into her mouth while at an engagement which requires her full attention. The clutch mostly serves as something to occupy her hands – preventing Kate from fidgeting or swinging her arms a great deal – keeping them neatly together at the front instead and adding to her overall regal look. Some see this use of the clutch as more of a comfort barrier, but I’m not so sure it applies to Kate. They obviously also serve to complete the outfit.”
While she usually carries simplistic, subtle clutches, Kate does own a few statement pieces that she reserves for more formal functions. Her red Alexander McQueen one, for example, worn on four occasions, commands more attention than her typical neutral toned clutches. This is also a bespoke piece which, like her clothing, Kate sometimes changes small elements from the original design to better suit her own style. With this particular clutch, she removed the scull clasp, replacing it with three large crystals instead.
We are so thankful to Katie for sharing her knowledge with us and for allowing us the opportunity to share it with you. Be sure to check out her incredibly detailed, researched and fascinating Instagram account.
We thought we would share a few of Kate’s favourite clutches from over the years, some various clutches we think she would like and some that we do in case you’re looking to be like Kate and test out a clutch!
[…] knows? Experts have even speculated that the clutch contains absolutely nothing, and it’s there just to give her something to do with her hands so she always looks regally […]