She’s been called the Queen of Thrift for her dedication to discount clothing stores and high street shops. Applauded for her knack for recycling and rewearing clothing and accessories from decades ago, Kate’s become a paragon of practicality and the world’s most admired penny pinching princess.
And since she’s risen in the royal ranks from duchess to princess, she’s remained true to her haughty-less habits and continues to wear budget brands like Accessorize and Zara. She seamlessly blends high-priced designer garments with frugal fashion pieces.
Many Firm fanatics enjoy ‘Replikating’ the mom of three and are overjoyed when she wears affordable attire and carries budget bags. Luckily, this duchess of discount and countess of coupons, no longer needs to shop the sale aisle. Instead, she’s preparing for her next royal promotion and a lot of splendorous swag. Still, even after Queen Catherine takes the throne, we anticipate she’ll still be spotted browsing the clearance rack at the local TK Maxx.
Thus, what better time than pre-consort to discuss Kate’s favorite low cost crossbodies and clutches?
Here are 14 of Kate Middleton’s Most Inexpensive Handbags:
1. Hobbs Evesham Clutch Bag in Sage Green
Opting for her a pretty pastel palette, Kate dressed up for the May 2022 spring garden party at Buckingham Palace in monochrome mint. She paired her midi dress designed by a private dressmaker with a cost-conscious clutch (priced just under $125); the British beauty opted for the Hobbs barrel shaped ‘Evesham’ clutch in sage green.
2. Jamie Mascaro Black Velvet Bow Clutch
The princess has showed off her smart savings by coupling her low cost clutch with designer dresses like a velvet McQueen and lace Temperely gown. Kate has carried this Pretty Ballerinas Mascaro black velvet bow clutch costing just over $200 on five regal occasions. The bag features an oversized statement bow, magnetic clasp closure and pink fabric lined interior. (Similar on Amazon)
3. Russell & Bromley Curvy Clutch Bag in Tape Suede
With a gunmetal frame and clasp closure, this bag resembles many of Kate’s pricier purses and box clutches. Yet, this neutral cocktail clutch set the princess back only $207. She’s carried the bag on two total occasions — in Mumbai in April 2016 and at the Service of Thanksgiving for Prince Philip in March 2022.
4. L.K. Bennett Dora Envelope Clutch in Green Suede
The princess owns seven bags from LK Bennett at low to mid-range prices. Often on sale, Kate’s L.K. Bennett Dora has previously been purchased by Her Royal Highness in olive and emerald green. She stepped out with the suede green envelope clutch (discounted to $260) in Ireland in March 2020 and for Trooping the Colour in June 2023.
5. Anne Grand Clement Plain Iron Zip Pouch
A distinctive silver finish gives the sleek cosmetic case and zippered pouch plenty of panache. Designed with geometric triangle embroidery, the handcrafted bag has a satin interior and brass jingle zipper pull. Kate carried the bag (frequently found on sale for $200 or less) in Berlin in July 2017 and again in Belgium a little over a week later.
6. Massimo Dutti Woven Leather Clutch in White
Crafted from woven sheepskin leather, this modern bag has a removable braided and knotted shoulder strap plus a zipper fastening. The textured finish makes this charming crossbody feel more fun and fashion-forward. Kate’s carried the handbag twice — once for a visit to Little Village baby bank in Brent in June 2022 and again in September 2023 at the rugby World Cup match in France.
7. Jaeger Kate Quilted Navy Shoulder Bag
Before quilted bags were a thing, Kate already was trendsetting by carrying this chain crossbody with gold hardware. Priced at a reasonable $188, Kate has made this shoulder bag an essential part of her royal handbag rotation and has worn it on eight occasions.
8. Oroton Odeion Snake Clutch in Indigo
During a royal visit to New Zealand in April 2014, Kate paired her iconic blue poppy Lasa sheath by L.K. Bennett with this trendy snakeskin handbag. Designed by Australia’s oldest luxury fashion company, this Italian embossed calf leather clutch was priced around $200 when Kate bought the bag.
9. Forever New Lily Woven Clutch
When the princess stepped out at the Platinum Jubilee Service of Thanksgiving in June 2022, royal watchers were so enamored with her custard colored Elta wrap dress by Emilia Wickstead that few noticed she was carrying a brand new clutch. In fact, the princess snuck a pauper priced bag into the service at St. Paul’s Cathedral. Kate’s new woven clutch by Aussie brand Forever New set the Crown coffers back a measly $39.
10. Reiss Cincotti Frill Satin Clutch in Sky Blue
This satin pouch with a hinge closure is perfect for small items like a compact mirror, lipstick and cellphone. Kate’s daughter Princess Charlotte carried the dainty handbag for her mom during a wedding in the early fall of September 2018. The frilly blue bag resided in Kate’s closet for years as it hailed from the retail chain’s 2009 collection. Low cost and not too luxe, the gathered satin pouch cost the princess a mere $86.
11. Zeen Cream Gleam Clutch
The princess carried this brushed gold bag from Pakistan brand Zeen on arrival at the Pakistani Air Force Base Nur Khan in October 2019. Designed with a frame clutch in gold, the box clutch boasts a satin interior, detachable chain strap and gold-tone top clasp. Priced at just $29, this is one of Princess Kate’s cheapest bags. (Similar on Amazon)
12. The White Company Straw Pom-Pom Trim Basket
With her brood in tow just outside the Windsor Suite at Heathrow Airport, Kate looked like any other beach-bound traveler. The Wales family were on a trip abroad for the half-term school holiday (at the time it was speculated they were traveling en route to Greece for the wedding of Princess Diana’s godson Prince Philippos). For the travel day, Kate wore an ME+EM diamond geo maxi shirt dress paired with her canvas Superga sneakers. In addition, she carried a budget straw basket bag from The White Company priced at just $95.
13. LongChamp Le Pliage Black Medium Top Handle Tote
Princess Kate is forever fangirling over the economical and effortless totes from this Parisian owned and operated brand. Priced at a commoner friendly cost of around $125, these nylon bags are lightweight, durable and foldable. Kate has numerous bags from the label including red, brown and black LongChamps in her collection. She has carried this black medium tote on various occasions and was spotted with it in 2012 for a trip to Borneo and again in 2014 while visiting Brisbane.
14. Etui London Clutch Collection
The princess owns three cocktail bags from this London premium leather company. Handmade in her home city, the royal beauty loves the prudently priced $81 tan ostrich, crocodile green and cream woven envelope handbags.
{Images: Getty, PA/Kensington Palace}