logo
Getty Images
Getty Images

Fashion Expert on Why Kate Middleton Always Holds a Clutch Purse

Pedro Marrero
Aug 01, 2019
07:40 P.M.

When you are a member of the royal family, every single move you make in public has to be carefully calculated in order to keep the formalities right. This is one of the tricks in Kate Middleton’s book.

Advertisement

When 37-year-old Kate Middleton married same-age Prince William in 2011 she put herself in the public view for anybody to scrutinize, but she has never disappointed when it comes to her sense of fashion and royal protocol.

After eight years followed by the cameras every time she steps out in public, royal watchers have noticed a pattern in her choice of purses and how she carries them, always opting for a clutch purse instead of a bag of any different kind.

Advertisement

KATE’S WAY

Every time the Duchess of Cambridge is spotted in an official royal appointment, she invariably holds her clutch purse in front of her body, using both hands, unless she needs to use one of them.

If this is the case, Middleton will carry the purse with the available hand, but she won’t be caught tucking the handbag under an arm, neither she would leave it on top of a table.

Advertisement

IT’S ALL ABOUT ETIQUETTE

As royal family etiquette expert Myka Meier told Good Housekeeping in 2016, Middleton’s choice is not merely a matter of style and she might have practical reasons to observe this custom.

“When the Duchess is at an event, she holds her bag in front of her in both hands when shaking hands might be awkward,” Meier said.

Advertisement

That way, Middleton can decide whom she shakes hands with and whom she doesn’t without appearing to be distant or cold with others.

But it doesn’t end there. When sitting, the Duchess would never leave her clutch resting where it can be seen.

“If there’s not a stool available, slip it between your back and the back of the chair,’ she recommends,” Meier recommends to anyone who wants to follow Middleton’s way.

Advertisement

AN AUTHORITY ON THE SUBJECT

Meier studied in finishing schools in both the UK and Switzerland, and she was fortunate enough to train in London under a former member of the royal household before founding the Beaumount Etiquette School in New York City.

To Meier, some of the most important etiquette rules to observe by a royal who wants to act properly come into play when hosting a party, and she shared some of the rules that Middleton would never break in such cases.

Advertisement

To name a few, the host must always send an official invitation, even if in these modern times the Duchess allows herself to opt for digital invitations sent by e-mail. The end time of the event should always be included.

Meier also recommends any host to set the table and decorations ready at least one day prior to the gathering so the host can be relaxed when the guests start to arrive.

Advertisement
info
Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories!
By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy
Advertisement
Related posts

Users Say Kate Middleton, 41, Showed Too Much Bare Legs & Skirt Length Was 'Not Appropriate' during New Outing

November 22, 2023

Meghan Markle Left ‘Disappointed’ When She Met & Realised Who Kate Middleton Was - Kate Once Made Her Cry

January 19, 2024

Why Kate Middleton Will Possibly Stay Out of Public Eye until ‘After Easter'

January 26, 2024

Another Royal Takes a Break from Duties: What’s Happening in Buckingham Palace?

February 01, 2024

This Woman Is the Most Titled in the World — Her Kids Were Horrified When She Married Again at 85

December 07, 2023

Kate Middleton Hoped to Reconcile with William in 2007 – He Abandoned Her via Phone Call While She Was at Work

January 19, 2024

'Frightening': Queen Camilla's Appearance before King Charles' Diagnosis Ignited Worries among Users

February 09, 2024

Prince William Seen for the 1st Time since Wife Catherine's Hospitalization with 'Sadness in His Eyes'

January 19, 2024

Why Sarah Ferguson Still Lives at Home with Ex 27 Years Following Divorce

January 23, 2024

King Charles' Cousin's Husband Found Dead at 45: Tragic Details

February 29, 2024

King Charles' Cousin's Husband Found Dead at 45: Tragic Details

February 28, 2024

Prince William Seen Visiting Wife Catherine in Hospital after Her Surgery: Photos

January 18, 2024

Why Did Prince Harry Choose to Stay at a Hotel While Visiting His Ailing Father, King Charles?

February 09, 2024

Why Did Prince Harry Choose to Stay at a Hotel While Visiting His Ailing Father, King Charles?

February 08, 2024