Behold: 10 Handbags Kate Middleton Wears (and Re-Wears) On the Regular

The Nano Montreal handbag from Demellier London is Kate Middleton’s favorite handbag for a reason, folks. For one, it’s ultra-chic and compact, making it a hassle-free option for when you’re on the go, yet it’s spacious enough to fit the essentials, such as your phone, keys, cards and lipstick. It also boasts luxe details like a striking gold bar closure, versatile add-ons, such as a removable (and adjustable!) cross-body strap and is made with superb craftsmanship.

In fact, Demellier incorporates real cowhide leather that’s sustainably sourced from suppliers certified by the European Leather Working Group in Italy and Spain. The result? A soft and smooth leather texture with a subtle lustrous shine. From sporting the Deep Toffee Smooth colorway at the celebration for the Hold Still book release and the Forward Trust event to again reaching for it an official outing to Scarborough with Prince William, the Nano has clearly received the royal stamp of approval. (And the slightly larger Midi version comes in more colors, too.)

Another brand Middleton has worn multiple times, in multiple different styles, is Mulberry. The British brand was founded in 1961 and in honor of its 50th anniversary in 2021, Mulberry announced its Made to Last Manifesto which details the process the brand plans to take towards becoming more eco-friendly and sustainable across the board—so you know Prince William likely approves.

Though she’s carried a number of different Mulberry styles, Kate seems a particular fan of the Amberley Satchel. It features a fold-over closure with equestrian-inspired hardware, and the top fold is lined with ultra-soft suede to limit wear-and-tear even with frequent use. The inner compartment is ideal for all the essentials (card card, phone, compact, lipstick, keys). And while it comes with an adjustable long strap that can be worn as a crossbody or shoulder strap, you can also separately purchase a top handle strap for $75.

Kate Middleton’s structured bag received high marks from PureWow’s Senior Director of Special Projects and Royals, Rachel Bowie, and former Director of Branded Content, Roberta Fiorito, in their detailed PureWow100 review. Structured to the core, this architectural purse made with certified Italian textured calf leather has clean lines and an elongated silhouette that the royal is keen on. There’s a suede interior and gold-plated stainless-steel hardware to complement the charming accessory, too.

Fiorito was taken by the bag’s weightlessness. She raved, “I love that I feel almost untethered when I carry it. The mini bag doesn’t weigh me down. There’s a gold-link shoulder strap included, though I almost exclusively carry it by the removable top handle. It’s also small enough to pack in my carry-on for girls’ weekends, or to stow away in a larger work tote, and then whip it out for happy hour drinks.” The Duchess of Cambridge may not be hitting happy hour in her blue Polène beauty, but she’s proven that it’s worthy of a Glasgow outing.

Meet the best-selling leather Mosaic Nano bag from Strathberry. Middleton was seen carrying hers in Vanilla to Westminster Abbey for an annual Christmas carol service together with Princess Charlotte and Prince George back in December 2023. Handmade in Spain from a soft calf leather, this top handle purse makes for a suitable everyday option. Key details include: a slip-flap magnetic closure, a removable shoulder strap, suede lining and an interior slip pocket that can store receipts, loose cards or other small goodies.

Fashion Editor Abby Hepworth is also a major fan of the brand. “The leather is gorgeous, the shapes unique and the detailing just can’t be beat,” she raves. “I own a handful of Strathberry bags at this point and use them all regularly, including the Mosaic Nano (in cognac). It holds a surprising amount of stuff for a night out, and I love that it can be carried as a top handle or crossbody.”

A gorgeous twist on a simple leather top handle bag, this Aspinal of London beauty is embossed with a croc-inspired texture and comes in seven gorgeous color options. Even better, each one can be personalized with up to five characters for just $35 more. Did I mention that the interior has a central zipped compartment that breaks up two capacious pockets on either side? Kate Middleton wore hers on a visit to the Royal Opera House to compliment a purple ensemble from Oscar de la Renta in 2019, and again to visit City Hall in Bradfords Centenary Square in 2020 with a stunning dark green coat.

Just like Princess Catherine’s style stands the test of time, so does her most beloved Longchamp bag. Most iconically, the royal wore the Le Pliage canvas tote to her graduation ceremony in 2005. It’s functional, minimal and oh-so spacious, with the capability to securely hold an impressive amount of everyday essentials.

“Confession: I bought the Longchamp Le Pliage tote thinking it’d be my gym bag,” admits Fashion and Beauty Director at Large Deena Campbell. “Thirty days later, it somehow became my everything bag. I use it to stow my laptop, snacks, those super tiny umbrellas, and random hair ties. The recycled canvas is shockingly sturdy; it’s even survived subway squishes and messy toddler hands. And best of all, it still looks brand new.” The French tote also has a unique construction that can fold down into the size of a paperback book. Plus, the handles are long enough to sling over your shoulders comfortably without the bag digging into your armpits.

Am I surprised that Princess Catherine would own a classic Chanel bag? Absolutely not. She tends to sport her black quilted Chanel only when she’s also wearing a black outfit, which unfortunately means it’s becoming something of a somber staple. But Middleton is also proof of just how versatile the bag can really be—she’s been spotted carrying it as a clutch, as a top handle and with a longer strap that she chose to drape over one shoulder, but could just as easily work as a crossbody. No, this bag does not come cheap, but it’s a timeless option that will literally never go out of style.

Originally inspired by the top-handle styles made famous by icons like Grace Kelly and Jackie Onassis in the 1950s, this gorgeous curved Holly bag makes total sense as a favorite for the elegant royal. Its miniature scope and clean, organic lines practically scream elegant and classy. In addition to the detachable shoulder strap, the piece is equipped with a gold turn-lock and fold-over flap closure to safely secure your belongings. But I just might have to take a page out of Kate’s style guide and leave mine open for an effortless ensemble that practically embodies the quiet luxury trend.

For a Christmas outing in 2024, Middleton opted to pull out this love letter-inspired Grace Han bag for a seventh public appearance, so I feel confident calling it a go-to favorite for the princess. And it’s easy to see why. The doctor’s bag-inspired silhouette gives major vintage vibes, especially if you opt to carry it as a top handle—as Middleton so often does—rather than a crossbody. It also features dainty gold feet (matching the gold hardware around the handle) to better protect that gorgeous leather from wear and tear when you place it down. Just know, this beauty ships from London, so be sure to order in advance if you plan to gift this stunner for a special occasion.

When the Prince and Princess of Wales attended the wedding ceremony of the Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah and Princess Rajwa Al Hussein in Jordan during the summer of 2023, there was truly a lot to marvel at, from the royal wedding garb to Princess Catherine’s blush-colored Elie Saab gown. Yet it was her gold glitter clutch from London-based designer label Wilbur & Gussie that caught my eye. The flashy stunner is an ideal accessory to pair with a bridesmaid’s dress, wedding guest dress or elevate any formal look, really, thanks to the glitter exterior and crystal-adorned brooch. Of course I found more unique patterns, colors and vintage styles to shop from the designer, but if you’re still not convinced by the showy elements, then wait until you unearth the practical interior pocket and functional (and luxurious!) silk wrist strap.