The Duchess of Cambridge and the Duchess of Sussex have to look picture perfect at every outing and despite having handlers, assistants and royal aids–they must tend to their own grooming during rapid fire royal tour stops and local engagements. So, how do these ladies manage to pull it off? By keeping a few handy items in their handbags.

Here’s What Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle Keep in their Handbags:

The Duchess of Cambridge

When she’s not in mom mode, Duchess Kate often relies on petite clutches for royal engagements. The diminutive bags are often used more as an accessory than a practical purse but it doesn’t stop Kate from storing a few items including: a compact mirror, lip balm, handkerchief and blotting paper. According to Marcia Moody, author of Kate: A Biography, The Duchess of Cambridge, Kate carries these four favorites at all times.

Via Wirewag/Getty–Kate in Missoni with a Mulberry Clutch


Though she loves her chic clutches, Kate has recently switched to carrying more trendy top-handle bags which implies she could be toting more goodies around town. The bigger bags give Kate the opportunity to store more odds and ends and it’s likely the duchess uses this to her advantage. So, what does Duchess Kate keep in her roomier purses? The future Queen consort likely stores her sunglasses for outdoor engagements, Kleenex or tissue paper and it’s possible she may on occasion even bring her cellphone to events as the Duchess of Sussex was spotted with her mobile at Wimbledon this year.

Victoria Jones/PA Wire-Kate carrying Dolce and Gabbana ‘Sicily’

And when Kate is on more casual outings with her family, she’s inclined to switch up the royal repertoire for a decidedly more down-to-earth carryall. What does this mom of three like to keep on hand for visits to polo and the park? Like any other modern mom, Kate keeps a stockpile of children’s toys, snacks and wet wipes. She also likely makes sure to have the kids’ sunglasses, sunscreen and extra clothes, diapers or bibs for little Louis.  At a recent polo match, Kate’s kids were even seen eating out of tupperware containers just like a regular picnic minus the royal trimmings.

Kate carrying Victoria Beckham ‘Quincy’ bag


The Duchess of Sussex

Meghan Markle is inclined to carry crossbody bags on royal engagements and also loves a structured tote bag. As a health conscientious person, Meghan reportedly always carries hand sanitizer, her favorite lip treatment by Sugar as well as designer sunglasses.

Getty-Meghan carrying Carolina Herrera ‘Matryoshka Locked L’ Large Shoulder Bag


When she’s traveling, the duchess changes up her purse must-haves and opts for a Madewell scarf, probiotics by Dr. Ohhira, Neosporin antibiotic ointment and a cellphone charger as well as magazines on finance, world affairs or fashion. She loves her Stow travel case for long haul flights.

Splash News

Now that she’s a new mom, Meghan’s traded diapers for Dior. It’s likely the duchess is carrying a stash of products for baby Archie–most likely Honest baby goodies (as Meghan’s makeup artist and good friend Daniel Martin works with the brand) and was even seen with her Apple cellphone at Wimbledon this year so she could keep tabs on her little guy during her girls outing. Aw.

The Image Direct-Meghan carrying Cuyana