Why Kate Middleton Refuses to Wear This Popular Accessory in Public
The Princess of Wales (formerly known as Kate Middleton) has become a true style icon. She consistently lands on best-dressed lists and is responsible for “The Kate Effect,” which benefits designers whose clothing she wears as it sells out soon after she’s seen in it.
Whenever she’s photographed at an engagement, Kate’s accessories are always on trend too. But there’s one popular thing Prince Wiliam’s wife does not wear when she’s working, and that is a crossbody bag.
The bags have become such a hit over the last few years as most women see how functional they are and are all for the hands-free style. But not Kate. So why doesn’t the princess wear those bags when she’s out and about at a public function? Here’s the reason for that, plus what essential items Kate always keeps in her purses.
Why Kate doesn’t wear those types of bags in public
Kate owns more than 100 purses and handbags, mostly consisting of clutches, top-handle bags, and satchels.
She’s been spotted wearing a crossbody on rare occasions when she’s off duty. But not when she’s working even though the specific type of bags are worn by everyone from royal fans to Hollywood celebrities and even other members of the royal family. That’s right, crossbody bags are a favorite of Princess Anne’s daughter, Zara Tindall.
However, there’s actually a simple reason Kate doesn’t wear them.
According to Express, “A crossbody bag would be impractical for royal duties, as it can get in the way when she’s shaking hands, accepting flowers, or interacting closely with members of the public. It could also disrupt the clean, structured lines of a regal outfit, detracting from the elegance and poise that have become hallmarks of her style.”
The items the princess always keeps in her purse
As for what the Princess of Wales actually carries in her purses and clutches, well Kate doesn’t need to lug around a lot of the stuff the rest of us do. She doesn’t need her wallet or keys when she’s attending an engagement. She also doesn’t have to bring her cell phone since she can’t text or call the nanny to check on her kids while she’s at a royal event.
So for those who have wondered what Kate does carry in her handbags, wonder no more. Author Marcia Moody shared in her book Kate: A Biography that the mom-of-three keeps just four items in them, writing: “She carries a compact mirror, blotting paper, a handkerchief, and lip balm.”
Hearing that she carries lip balm may remind anyone who read Prince Harry’s memoir Spare of a moment he brought up between his sister-in-law and his wife, Meghan Markle.
The Duke of Sussex relayed his version of what happened between the women when the Duchess of Sussex forgot to pack lip balm in her purse.
Harry wrote, “Meg asked to borrow Kate’s lip gloss. An American thing. Meg forgot hers, worried she needed some, and turned to Kate for help. Kate, taken aback, went into her handbag and reluctantly pulled out a small tube.
“Meg squeezed some onto her finger and applied it to her lips. Kate grimaced. Small clash of styles, maybe? Something we should’ve been able to laugh about soon after. But it left a little mark.”
