The Princess of Wales faced a potential etiquette faux pas during her first solo engagement in Italy, as she placed her £3,000 Asprey handbag on the ground outside Reggio Emilia Town Hall. The 44-year-old royal, dressed in a blue power suit, bent down in high heels to speak to children at eye level, leaving the powder blue bag on the floor. Etiquette experts suggest this move could be seen as unlucky or dirty, though Kate later handed the bag to her assistant.
This incident echoes a similar moment involving Queen Camilla just two weeks earlier, on 28 April, during a state visit with King Charles. Camilla placed her bag on the floor to keep it out of camera view ahead of the King's speech at the US Congress. Etiquette coach Alison M. Cheperdak described it as a 'game-time decision' and an 'oversight' by royal staff, while some social media users defended the act as a sign of humility.
Kate's visit to Italy included a stop at the Loris Malaguzzi International Centre, where she participated in crafting activities. Her decision to put the bag down allowed her to use both hands to interact with children, a gesture she has performed before. The incident highlights the scrutiny placed on royal actions, even in seemingly minor moments.
