The Princess of Wales has a stunning collection of chic clutches, trendy top handle purses and stylish shoulder bags in her Windsor wardrobe. Always impeccably dressed, Kate’s handbags are the fashionable finishing touch on her royal ensembles.
The princess owns many suede bags, a few velvet and an assortment of leather styles. Yet, it’s the princess’ collection of satin handbags that is particularly fashion-forward and regal.
Carried for weddings, red carpet events and special ceremonial occasions, the princess often makes a satin sartorial statement for special events in the royal calendar. She is particularly fond of silky smooth styles from Alexander McQueen, Anya Hindmarch and Jimmy Choo.
Here are 12 of Kate Middleton’s Favorite Satin Handbags:
1. Alexander McQueen Black Satin Heart Clasp Frame Clutch Bag
With a retail price tag of $2695, this black box clutch is one of Kate’s most decadent designer styles. The satin textile exterior offers this minaudiere a smooth and skin-friendly touch while the gold tone frame imparts a hint of edgy luxe. A two-tone heart clasp accented with sparkly red crystals and faux pearls lends a twinge of modern glamour to this petite purse. The princess has carried the bag on a total of two occasions; once for the BAFTA Awards in February 2017 and again for a Commonwealth Fashion Exchange in February 2018.
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2. Wilbur & Gussie London Charlie Clutch in Steel Silk
A pale grey bag made of 100% silk, this envelope bag is the perfect conversation piece for a dinner party or cocktail reception. Designed with a crystal bee brooch, this opulent bag has a single inner pocket, magnetic fastener and is outfitted with a silk wrist strap. These lightweight clutches are extremely popular in royal circles — Princess Eugenie has carried various Wilbur & Gussie clutches adorned with an eagle brooch, elephant and starfish. And the Duchess of Sussex owns a bespoke ‘Charlie’ oyster silk clutch in a taupe color. The Princess of Wales has carried the metallic clutch on just one occasion to a gala for Action on Addiction (she’s patron of the organization) in June 2019.
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3. Prada Raso Pink Satin Clutch
Another epic recycle from the princess’ closet, this shiny blush bag was initially spotted on the princess in the early days of her Crown career. Debuting the pretty Barbie-esque bag in June 2011 at the ARK 10th Anniversary Gala dinner, the satin covered clutch was locked away in the royal vaults for six years (Kate carried the piece in Belgium in 2017), before she resurrected the bag for the Jordanian Royal Wedding in 2023 and a recent Diplomatic Reception.
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4. Anya Hindmarch Bespoke Black Maud Clutch
A minaudière (small decorative handbag without handles or strap) created specifically for Kate, this petite pouch appeared on the princess for one of her first official royal engagements while meeting with then President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle Obama at Buckingham Palace in May 2011. Kate has since carried the satin-effect bag with a crystal closure on over 10 occasions. The princess’ purse is personalized with a monogrammed capital cursive ‘C’ initial.
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5. Alexander McQueen Dove Grey Box Clutch
Not much is known about Kate’s dove grey Alexander McQueen box clutch but it was seen in September 2012 while Kate was traveling abroad in Southeast Asia on tour. The princess’ bag appeared at a British gala at Singapore Eden Hall. The lilac/dove grey clutch features a jewel clasp closure and silver gold frame.
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6. Jimmy Choo Vivien Blue Satin Bag
The first and last appearance of this navy colored clutch occurred in Berlin when the princess made her arrival in Germany in the summer of 2017. The pre-fall ’17 bag is made in Italy (priced around $880) and features a softly ruched and artfully sculpted exterior with a crystal embellished ball at the center. Putting a retro glam spin on the traditional evening clutch, the soft satin shape gives this bag plenty of romantic and regal vibes. The chic designer accessory also comes equipped with a metal chain strap.
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7. Prada Black Satin Clutch with Stone Embellishment
At nearly $1500, this chic clutch is one of Kate’s priciest purses. The bag was first toted by the princess for a birthday celebration for the late Queen Elizabeth in New Delhi, India in April 2016. The boxy black bag was later carried by Her Royal Highness for a Windsor Horse Show, a visit to Poland and a SportsAid Gala. Kate has carried the handbag on a total of seven occasions including most recently for a pre-coronation party in May 2023.
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8. Anya Hindmarch Maud Bag in Navy
Princess Diana frequently carried Hindmarch bags (her cleavage concealing choice), thus, it’s easy to see why Princess Kate would own multiples. Worn for the 100 Women Hedge Fund in October 2015, Kate opted for another clutch created by the English fashion accessories designer. The kiss-lock crystal closure gives this bag a hint of fun flair and gilded glamour while the supple satin has an air of luxe. Kate is believed to have held this bag on just one occasion to date.
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9. Lulu Guinness Hayworth Clutch in Sea Blue Satin
Offering plenty of ladylike charm and allure, this powder blue clutch imparts a hint of Old Hollywood Glamour. Kate did a bit of diplomatic dressing and carried the aqua clutch by hand in the Bahamas in March 2022. The statement bag features a 100% cotton lining, embossed foil logo, removable crossbody chain and flirty antique gold clasp in the shape of lips.
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10. Reiss Cincotti Frill Satin Clutch in Deep Sky Blue
Only setting back the royal household budget about $80, this satin ruffled pouch has contrasting grey lining and a handy hinge closure. A part of a long ago collection (2009/10) from the affordable English fashion label Reiss, this frilly clutch is endowed with plenty of panache with its playful voluminous layers of gathered satin. The bag was seen being held by Princess Charlotte for her mom during the wedding festivities for Kate’s good friend Sophie Carter in Norfolk in September 2018.
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11. Alexander McQueen White Satin Butterfly Box Clutch
A princess priced purse, this nearly $3000 designer clutch is detailed with a large rectangular crystal shaped stone as well as a butterfly floral motif. The sleek and structured bag is lined with blush suede and the box bag comes equipped with a detachable silver chain. Crafted from 100% silk, this small bag has been in the princess’ royal rotation since its first appearance on the BAFTA red carpet in February 2019. Recently, the mom of three carried the bridal-esque clutch for the state banquet for President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa in November 2022.
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12. Anya Hindmarch Maud Pearl Embellished Satin Clutch Bag in Ivory
The princess’ third ‘Maud’ clutch, this soft and silky satin coin purse design made its debut in Kingston, Jamaica. Manufactured in London, the timeless and elegant bag has a recycled satin exterior with a pearl embellished twist-lock closure. The princess rewore the bag recently in November 2023 for the state banquet held for South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol and his wife Kim Keon Hee.
Shop the exact bag at Matches Fashion HERE and Net-a-Porter HERE