While she may be inclined to tote designer box bags, petite micro purses and lush velvet or silky satin envelope evening clutches in the winter months, Princess Kate favors different handbags in the summer. Drawn to glamorous pouches, woven fan clutches and beaded flap bags for casual summer outings, the British beauty loves to switch up her handbags in the warm weather.
We’ve rounded up the times in which the princess has worn a handbag exclusively in the summer (on no other royal occasions).
Here are 8 Handbags Kate Middleton Carries Only in the Summer:
1. Josef Point de Beauvais Beaded Flap Clutch Bag
Handmade in France in the mid 1900s, this chic foldover floral clutch is perfect for summer cocktail parties. With vintage vibes, the embroidered design has multi-colored beads with a convenient flap front and snap closure. The Victorian (or Edwardian) throwback has a delicate floral pattern. Princess Kate has carried the bag strictly in the warm months of May, June and July for a total of five outings; she has donned the clutch by hand for two early summer garden parties, twice at Wimbledon and once for an outdoor reception in July 2021.
2. Jimmy Choo Vivien Blue Satin Clam Clutch Bag
Hailing from a pre-fall 2017 collection, this softly pleated liquid blue satin clutch has appeared on the royal on just one summer occasion in the height of the hottest season in July 2017 in Berlin. The princess carried the designer bag with a crystal embellished sphere for outings in Germany’s capital during a royal tour. (Kate’s bag was a bespoke cornflower blue version of the original luxury handbag in navy.)
3. Wilbur and Gussie Charlie Clutch in Steel
This sleek light grey clutch features a magnetic fastening with a crystal bee brooch. Worn just once for the first annual gala dinner in recognition of Addiction Awareness Week at Phillips Gallery on June 12, 2019 in London, the princess matched her dusky blue silvery Jimmy Choo Romy pumps with her unique silk bag.
4. Anne Grand Clement Plain Iron Zip Pouch
Carried twice in July 2017, this metallic bag appeared on Her Royal Highness for an evening soiree at a ballroom in Berlin, Germany and just over a week later at commemorative ceremony in Ypres, Belgium. The zippered pouch has a distinctive brass jingle bell pull, optical geometric triangle embroidery and smooth black satin interior lining. The pouch is handmade in India.
5. Alexander McQueen Wicca Raffia Mini Satchel Bag
Brought to the All England Lawn Tennis Championships on a single occasion (its only appearance), Kate leaned into the summery straw bag trend with her mini top handle accessory. Featuring a rustic clasp closure, a detachable shoulder strap and an internal slip pocket, this textured raffia designer handbag was perfect for Wimbledon watching in July 2019.
6. L.K. Bennett Milly Nude Leather Mini Handheld Bag
Crafted in Spain from luxe nappa leather, this trench colored handbag is defined by its oversized gold tone metal lock. The sixties inspired mini bag has a convenient grab handle and detachable leather crossbody strap. Pretty brouge detailing gives this bag extra fashionable flair. The princess has carried the accessory on just one occasion in June 2021 for a visit to Connor Downs Academy in Cornwall, England.
7. Victoria Beckham Quincy Moonshine White Tote
A playful mini shopper tote, this designer bag has been carried by the Princess on five occasions in the early and mid-summer months including for royal outings in May, June and July. The future Queen has opted to carry the bag for a May visit to Percy Community Centre last year, three Wimbledon outings (2016 and 2017) and a June 2018 charity polo match at Beaufort Polo Club with Prince George and Princess Charlotte in tow.
8. Hermes Rio Envelope Clutch in Rogue Leather
A vintage bag from the early 1990s, this posh pochette has been carried by the princess on one occasion to Royal Ascot in June 2023. The streamlined and sleek bag is elegant enough for daytime or evening affairs. A luxurious accessory hailing from the House of Hermes, the statement bag features a chic snap-style closure, leather exterior and striking black button at the center, adorned with a captivating gold-tone ‘H’ Hermes logo.
