Royal women are frequently in the public spotlight, where their fashion choices are subject to the closest scrutiny.
Despite their immense wealth and access to the most high-end of luxury goods, many of them opt to carry more affordable or mid-priced handbags on official engagements.
It perhaps reflects a desire to not be seen to be too extravagant at a time when the purse strings are tight for millions of Britons.
Here, we delve into handbags under £500 that are favoured by royals including the Princess of Wales, the Duchess of Edinburgh and Princess Eugenie, from brands such as LK Bennett, Anya Hindmarch, Strathberry and DeMellier.
LK Bennett Milly bag, £225
The Princess of Wales has been seen with LK Bennett’s elegant Milly bag on two separate occasions.
Most recently, at the Wimbledon men’s singles final last month, Kate teamed her reliable bag with a striking Safiyaa dress and Camilla Elphick heels.
The 1960s-inspired design incorporates a top handle – a favourite element of Kate’s – complemented by gold-tone metal hardware and brogue detailing.
While the Milly bag is offered in a duck egg blue shade, Kate opted for the subtle ‘Trench’ hue, a blush pink that serves as a versatile accessory.
Originally priced at £225, the bag has since sold out.
Previously, Kate chose the bag for a meeting with US First Lady Jill Biden in 2021.
Anya Hindmarch Maud clutch, £475
The British Royal Family has embraced seven distinct iterations of Anya Hindmarch’s sought-after Maud clutch.
It all began in 2010 when Sophie, then the Countess of Wessex, carried the shimmering silver version at the wedding of Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel in Stockholm Cathedral.
She teamed it with a bespoke beaded one-shoulder gown by Amanda Wakeley and LK Bennett heels.
Since then, this £475 bag has become a staple at various royal occasions, with Kate, Zara, Eugenie and Beatrice opting to carry the coveted design in ivory, beige and blush pink satin.
Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie are particularly fond of the white woven leather version, having opted for the design multiple times this year.
At Royal Ascot in June, Zara notably set a trend by introducing the brand-new gleaming gold design.
Handmade from luxurious woven leather, this petite bag features the trademark gold-tone frame, tasselled clasp and chain strap.
DeMellier The Nano Montreal bag, £330
DeMellier, a London-based accessory brand known for its cost-effective yet high-quality materials, has captured attention with its Nano Montreal bag, priced at £330.
Kate paved the way by sporting a toffee-coloured Nano Montreal in 2021, wearing it on three occasions before acquiring the navy version in 2022.
Crafted from supple Italian leather, this structured design includes a top handle, detachable crossbody strap and distinctive gold hardware.
At this year’s Cheltenham Festival, Zara showcased an updated version of the bag, featuring a contemporary braided handle.
DeMellier emphasises artisanal craftsmanship, with each bag handmade by skilled artisans using local techniques and traditions at a family-run factory in Europe.
Strathberry East/West Mini crossbody bag – £455
For her first official visit to Scotland with Prince Harry in 2018, Meghan selected a fitting accessory from Edinburgh-based label, Strathberry.
The Duchess draped the East/West Mini bag, in bottle green, over a tartan coat while greeting crowds in the city.
She had previously carried the brand’s Tri Colour Midi tote for her inaugural royal engagement a few months prior.
Made in Spain, the elegant East/West Mini comprises two compartments lined with soft suede, along with an interior pocket to keep belongings in order.
Its grained leather exterior is adorned with the iconic Strathberry bar closure and features a versatile dual-length gold-tone chain shoulder strap.
It is currently priced at £455.
Tusting Mini Holly bag, £365
Both Kate and Zara have shown a preference for the Mini Holly by Tusting.
Handmade in England from luxurious Atlantic full-grain leather, this charming style draws inspiration from Tusting’s larger Holly design.
The 1950s-esque bag has clean, curved lines, a top handle and fold-over flap, secured by a turn-lock fitting.
Like many favoured by royalty, it incorporates a detachable shoulder strap, enabling it to be carried over the shoulder, cross-body or simply by hand.
Priced at £365, the Mini Holly is available in a palette of ten alluring shades, such as orchid suede, lipstick red and gold.
The bags come with gold-tone hardware as standard, with the option to customised to silver through special order.
Kate has been seen with the taupe Mini Holly on three occasions since introducing it in 2021, most recently during her visit to Nottingham Trent University last October.
Meanwhile, Zara opted for the rich pecan-coloured version at the Cheltenham Festival in March, perfectly complementing her hunter green coat by Laura Green.
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