In recent years, the Princess of Wales has pivoted her clothing from looking like a royal in the movie the “Princess Diaries” (donning Cinderella fashion like voluminous tulle ballgowns and colorful coatdresses) toward more defense lawyer in “Legally Blonde.”
While she may be dressing more Elle Woods and less Mia Thermopolis these days, her handbags have also undergone a royal readjustment.
Gone are the days of dainty and demure slim clutches in favor of structured top handle purses, roomy totes and boxy bags.
What styles has the princess been carrying lately and what are her favorite new handbags?
Here are 4 of Kate Middleton’s Most Stylish New Handbags:
1. Smythson Mini Lytton Crossbody Bag in Ludlow (Dark Taupe)
Carried off-duty while visiting an eyeglass store, the princess was seen for the first time toting this soft and structured compact bag in the Notting Hill neighborhood of London in January 2025. Wearing a Max & Co Virgin Wool runaway coat in navy, printed scarf from her closet keepsakes and and slacks from Sezane, the princess was in errand mode as she checked out the spectacle selection at Finlay.
Kate’s new bag hails from a brand she’s relied upon for years for work accessories like croc embossed writing folders, zippered totes and classic crossbody bags. The princess’ new Smythson is designed in Italy and crafted from butter soft Ludlow leather; the bag boasts a removable crossbody strap, external back pocket with a magnetic closure and fabric lining. Four metal feet keep the bag upright and a zip closure ensures that everyday essentials are kept contained.
2. Mulberry Bayswater Small Classic Grain Leather Tote in Oak
Carried for the first time in February 2025, the princess donned this elegant day bag for a visit to Pontypridd Market in Wales. While the princess already owns two Mulberry Bayswater clutches (in black and red cranberry suede), this is first Bayswater tote bag from the British heritage brand.
Designed with the brand’s iconic Postman’s Lock hardware in brass, this small carryall n pebbled grain leather can hold everything from an iPad to a pair of shoes. Practical and modern, this luxurious mom-friendly tote is ideal for royal travel and public walkabouts. Plus, an internal removable pocket adds extra versatility for storing valuables.
Mulberry Bayswater Leather Tote
3. Asprey London Morgan Small Top Handle Bag in Cranberry
At one of her first royal outings of the new year, Kate was photographed carrying this petite designer bag. Worn to the Royal Marsden Hospital in mid-January 2025, the princess opted for this retro-inspired bag with an Asprey clasp lock and chain handle with a leather pad.
Converted from a crossbody to a top handle, Kate’s sophisticated new bag is rendered in soft grain leather in dark cranberry with a kid suede interior for extra luxe.
4. Forever New Lily Woven Clutch
One of Kate’s newer bags — this woven clutch has only been carried by the princess on just two occasions to date. She debuted the bag at the Platinum Jubilee Service in June 2022. Compact and sleek, the raffia hard box clutch is designed with vegan materials and has a detachable crossbody strap, goldtone hardware and a top push clasp fastening.
Recently carried for a Buckingham Palace Garden Party in May 2025, this straw-effect bag hails from the Australia label Forever New– the brand is revered for their trendy and glamorous clothing and accessories at affordable prices.
