The Princess of Wales is known for her affinity for high street clothing, budget earrings and affordable staples like short sleeve layering tops from John Lewis and H&M. Still, for more glamorous palace parties and red carpet events she likes to splurge on one particular accessory: the handbag.
Owning a collection of approximately 80 clutches, 15 top handle bags and a few zippered totes, crossbodies, bowlers and satchels, she’s amassed a stockpile of around 110 different handbags. (Not counting many of her college day totes and shoppers).
The princess is especially fond of carrying luxe bags on royal duty and has pricey pieces from McQueen, Packham and Jimmy Choo lining her closet shelves. But what bags are here most costly?
Here are 8 of Kate Middleton’s Most Expensive Handbags:
1. Prada Black Satin Clutch with Stone Embellishment, $1470 (Worn 7 Times)
This is the most expensive of Kate’s three Prada clutches. Designed with allover black satin on the exterior as well as a being lined in satin, this costly clutch has gold plated hardware, a detachable gold metal chain strap and shiny stone embellishment. Kate isn’t the only royal who loves this designer clutch — Queen Mary of Denmark owns the identical bag in gold sequin and blue satin.
Most Memorable Wear: To the Queen’s Birthday Party in New Delhi, India in April 2016 and to the Commonwealth Reception Lunch prior to King Charles III’s coronation in May 2023
2. Jimmy Choo J Box Bordeaux Velvet Clutch Bag, $1695 (Worn 1 Time)
A silvertone frame keeps this box clutch looking lavish. The made-to-order piece boasts a convenient compact design with a soft velvet finish.
Most Memorable Wear: Opening of the Photography Centre at the V&A Museum in October 2018
3. Asprey London 1781 Pochette in Blueberry Bullskin $1950 (Worn 1 Time)
At just under $2000, this bag designed from bullskin blue leather features the brand’s signature Asprey 1781 clasp in palladium metal and includes an optional shoulder strap. The exterior offers a unique belt strap detail with window and claw clasp. Part of the iconic 1781 collection, this pochette celebrates Asprey’s establishment year with details inspired by the aesthetic of early travel bags.
Most Memorable Wear: Ceremonial naming of the Polar Research Ship the RRS Sir David Attenborough in September 2019
4. Alexander McQueen White Satin Butterfly Box Clutch $2890 (Worn 4 Times)
This 100% silk box clutch has opulent details like a fanciful jewel clasp — a clear stone embellishment with a delicate butterfly motif. The bridal-esque clutch is distinguished by its antique silver finishing and a detachable silver chain strap.
Most Memorable Wear: US State Banquet in June 2019 and South African State Banquet in November 2022, BAFTAs in February 2019
5. Elie Saab Metallic Leather Clutch, $2195 (Worn 2 Times)
Hailing from the designer’s Resort 2016 Collection, this sophisticated special occasion bag is still available for purchase today. Designed in grey leather, the shiny statement clutch has a full front flap in silver-plated metal and is accented by allover metal studs.
Most Memorable Wear: Royal Ascot in June 2018 and Buckingham Palace Garden Party in May 2023
6. Chanel Mini Rectangular Flap Bag in Black Lambskin, $4700 (Worn 1 Time)
As she prepares to be Queen, Princess Kate is adding more upscale clutches to her chic collection of high-end designer bags. Case in point: her new Chanel crossbody. This versatile bag boasts a soft diamond-quilted lambskin exterior with a mixed leather and gold chain-link threaded shoulder strap along with the brand’s classic gilded gold CC turn-lock.
Most Memorable Wear: Rugby World Cup Quarter Final Match in October 2023
7. Dolce & Gabbana Sicily Bag in Rose, $2095 (Worn 3 Times)
A blush colored bag, this powder pink top handle purse exudes fashion-forward modernity with a timeless retro sensibility. Designed in Italy from grained calf leather, this spacious structured bag has a foldover flap with magnetic press stud fastening along with a gold-tone logo stamp. It can be carried by hand or worn across the body via the detachable shoulder strap. Kate’s younger sister Pippa Middleton owns the identical Sicily D&G tote bag in black.
Most Memorable Wear: To Wimbledon accompanied by the Duchess of Sussex in July 2018 and July 2019
8. Chanel Burgundy Small Flap Bag with Enamel Handle, $4200 (Worn 5 Times)
A quilted bag hailing from the Fall/Winter 2015 collection from the French luxury fashion house, this bag boasts an ornamental handle, quilted leather exterior and decorative interlocking CC logo. The designer bag is a rare find with one online resale marketplaces having once sold the bag under the name ‘Chanel Art Nouvelle Small Flap Bag.’
Most Memorable Wear: A Royal Visit to Paris in March 2017 and a three-day tour of Boston, Massachusetts in December 2022
