The Princess of Wales is known for championing homegrown and surprisingly affordable handbag brands. While Princess Diana famously carried a Gucci bamboo handle tote and Dior Chouchou bag, Kate Middleton’s wardrobe strikes a balance between aspirational and attainable, pairing an Alexander McQueen blazer with Zara trousers or a Catherine Walker coatdress with Accessorize earrings. The ‘Kate effect’ is well-documented: anything she wears often sells out almost instantly, and according to estimates, it boosts the UK economy by £1 billion annually. For instance, her recent Three Peaks Challenge outfit—including The North Face red sprinter shorts—sold out in every size.
A sense of Britishness is central to her style. Edeline Lee and Emilia Wickstead are occasionwear favourites, while Barbour and With Nothing Underneath define her off-duty looks. When it comes to bags, Edinburgh-based independent brand Strathberry is in her rotation, alongside classic British labels Mulberry and Aspinal of London. DeMellier has been worn countless times by the royal, and Anya Hindmarch clutches add character to her outfits. All these labels are comfortably mid-range, combining high quality with timeless style.
Strathberry
The independent Scottish label Strathberry is among Kate’s favourite affordable luxury bag brands. She owns a large collection, with four bags and counting from the Edinburgh brand. From her croc-embossed clutch (in white and navy) to the best-selling mosaic nano, the bags match her elegant and understated wardrobe. The brand also counts Katie Holmes, Sarah Jessica Parker, Princess Eugenie, and the Duchess of Edinburgh among its fans. Strathberry bags are made by artisans in Ubrique, Spain, a world-renowned leather-crafting town, ensuring durable quality with attainable prices. While other luxury bags made there can cost upwards of £1,000, Strathberry’s range from £295 to £695.
DeMellier
Founded less than a decade ago, DeMellier is on every fashion fan’s wishlist. Kate owns three bags from the British brand, which are architectural and minimalist with understated branding and elevated finishes. Crafted in the same Spanish town as Strathberry, DeMellier bags use premium materials. Logo-less, timeless designs are popular, and every bag Kate steps out with instantly goes onto a waitlist. Her favourite is the nano Montreal in navy and toffee colourways. She also owns the Hudson top-handle bag in mocha suede.
Mulberry
Kate was rarely seen without her Mulberry Bayswater tote in her early royal years. Launched in 2003, it became an It-bag loved for its understated and practical design. Lately, she has leaned toward contemporary labels like Strathberry and DeMellier, but her love for the heritage British brand remains. In 2025, she debuted a new small Bayswater tote on an engagement in Wales, and she carried the black croc-embossed Amberley top-handle bag during a parade in 2023.
Aspinal of London
Aspinal of London reimagines vintage silhouettes for a contemporary audience while championing British craftsmanship. The princess has returned to the brand countless times for special engagements. The croc midi Mayfair is a favourite (in black and lilac), and the Mayfair clutch complemented her polka dot Alessandra Rich dress for the Order of the Garter in 2023. She also owns the casual crossbody Lottie bag in red.
Anya Hindmarch
Kate has been seen carrying Anya Hindmarch bags since 2011. Most recently at Royal Ascot, she wore the elegant ivory Maud pearls clutch with a canary yellow dress. The black Maud clutch is also in her roster. Embracing more playful designs, she took the woven Neeson tote bag to Wimbledon in 2025, complementing her all-white look.
