When the Princess of Wales leaves her apartment 1A at Kensington Palace in London, she’s often traveling on business. On a recent trip to Birmingham in April 2023, the princess and her husband Prince William traveled by train. Rather than have royal aides carry her work wear, the mom of three was spotted lugging her own Smythson Panama East-West tote. The chic leather bag was stuffed full of what appeared to be electronic cords, possibly a shawl and even a water bottle. The down-to-earth brunette carried the bag while dressed in a burgundy trench dress by Karen Millen after departing a Community Impact Day event in Wales. This isn’t the first time the princess has shunned assistance from royal staff — she’s also accessorized with the roomy black bag to a Scouts event in Scotland and carried the luxurious tote in Denmark. In addition, she was recently spotted near the family helicopter heading to wheelchair rugby in northeast England in early October 2023 carrying her “work briefcase.”
Here are Kate Middleton’s Favorite Travel Bags and Suitcases
Smythson Panama East-West Zip Tote in Black
The roomy black bag is the perfect day tote and corporate carryall as it holds paperwork, a laptop and other work essentials. Kate carries the stylish bag for work outings and day trips; she loves the bag for commuting to royal duty and rarely carries the bag on her shoulder but prefers to hold the leather bag by hand. The princess has owned the Panama from the British luxury leather goods retailer since 2016. The company is a favorite of the royal as it focuses on sustainability practices with recyclable packaging, responsibly sourced leather and ethical supply chain practices. Another tiara-wearing fan of the stationary supplier? Princess Grace Kelly of Monaco. The American actress owned a red diary from Smythson stamped with her royal cipher.
Joules Women’s Overnight Bag in Blue Posy
On a family trip home from Mustique in February 2015, the Wales were spotted traveling with their eldest son Prince George on a British Airways flight. Prince William was spotted carrying a women’s floral blue overnight bag with a floral print as they boarded the nighttime flight. The quilted ‘Stopover Overnight Bag‘ from the British clothing company was described as “charming and comfy with a vintage floral print.” It’s believed Kate kept the bag in her regular rotation of carry-ons and travel bags; her former stylist Natasha Archer was spotted near a group of bags on a royal tour that included what’s believed to be the same floral print duffle or a similar teal style from Joules. Similar Style
The princess’ security and stylist team was spotted with this olive colored Bric bag. The sensible and sophisticated trolley rolling suitcase has Tuscan leather trim, removable shoe and flap pockets. The bag was spotted in the Wales family luggage pile during a 2016 trip to Bhutan and India. On another Royal Tour, the same luggage piece was spotted in the royal couple’s stockpile of suitcases. The luxury travel brand Bric Milano is a family favorite of the Middleton siblings. On his first international trip, Prince George, Kate and her brother James Middleton, were spotted exiting a plane with Kate’s younger brother seen carrying a Bric Life 18inch cargo duffle.
Sandstorm Kenya Bag
Princess Kate was reportedly gifted this weekender bag from Sandstorm after she and William got engaged in Kenya in October 2010. Following a trip to Norfolk to oversee home renovations on their property at Anmer Hall, the princess was spotted hauling the Sandstorm Kenya Odyssey bag at King’s Cross train station in London. The bag has also been snapped in the arms of royal staff on tour. The roomy tote is made by a company who specializes in designing luxury safari tents–Kate’s classic bag is constructed of a tan canvas with leather trim.
Globe-Trotter
The late Queen Elizabeth was gifted a globe-trotter suitcase for her honeymoon and since that time has been popular with members of the royal family. While traveling abroad, Princess Kate’s nanny Maria Borrallo was spotted holding a mini safari suitcase from Globe-Trotter. In addition, Kate’s former personal stylist Natasha was snapped with a black vintage vanity case called the ‘Moneypenny’ by the premium British luggage manufacturer.
Tusting Olive Explorer Holdall
The princess has been photographed with her favorite canvas explorer bag since as far back as 2007. Carried for overnight trips, long vacations and even boarding the royal helicopter at Kensington Palace, this oversized bag has been a royal favorite for years. Kate especially enjoys the spacious oversized olive canvas bag for holidays and long commutes. The stain and water resistant tote is ideal for long trips and vacations as the Tusting bags have exceptional durability and practicality that lends itself to long haul travel.
