The Duchess was often seen with a small clutch that she kept in her hand, and sometimes clasped it between her hands.
However in recent weeks, Kate Middleton, 39, has been spotted out and about without a bag in hand.
Yesterday the three-year-old mother of two stepped out at London’s Imperial War Museum to open the new galleries. Her signature bag was not present when she walked down the red carpet earlier in the month for the Earthshot Prize and the James Bond premier.
FEMAIL has been told by Hannah Eichler, a stylist, that the fashion decision is more than just a fashion option. Hannah Eichler said to FEMAIL, “Accessories are often a clever trick used for royals as a way of distracting anxious hands.”
“Kate has been an integral part of the Royal Family for more than a decade and she doesn’t need tricks to draw attention from shaking hands. She is comfortable speaking in public.
A time was when Duchess of Cambridge rarely wore a bag to an official engagement. She often carried a small, box-shaped clutch with her and both hands. Recently, however, Kate Middleton has been out and about in public without her bag.
The celebrity stylist explained: ‘The so called It bag has long been heralded as the most coveted piece in a woman’s wardrobe, but as our style takes on a more modest note, arm candy seems to be fading in significance.
‘The Duchess of Cambridge’s collection of luxe handbags have received the fashion approval of even the most discerning designer bag experts, but the eagle eyes among you will note Kate has ditched the look of late.’
“With her confidence and ability to speak in public, she is now able to engage with the public. This gives me the desire to be more authentic.”
Kate’s hands are the emotion barometer. Therefore, Kate can use her hands to convey her emotions to more people.
The Royal’s confidence in The Firm could also be shown by the fact that the stylists revealed the reason for their decision.
Hannah shared that Hannah’s choice in outfits might also affect whether or not the Duchess carries a backpack.
According to her, “The trend for pockets means that fashion lovers are able to be hands-free!”
“Kate prefers coats that have hidden and patch pockets in order to maintain a small number of personal belongings.”
The celebrity stylist continued: ‘Kate has also been becoming more daring on the fashion front and as any style expert knows it’s all about letting your look take centre stage.
The Duchess was spotted carrying a bag at engagements in the past. But recently, she is seen with one at engagements in May 2019.
‘Take the Jenny Packham gown she wore to the Bond premiere – any additional accessories would have detracted from her look and added fuss to an otherwise high maintenance look.’
Rochelle white, celebrity stylist said that Kate is now free to carry her own bag as she no longer feels the need for it.
“I believe she’s going for a minimal look in her fashion choices and trying to keep it clean, simple, and stylish.
“I feel that because she is at this level in terms of being seen, it could have been recommended to her not to carry a bag.
The mother of three was pragmatic when she returned to Royal Duty in September after her August summer break. She wore a smart blazer, black jeans, and didn’t carry a bag as she arrived at the RAF Air Cadets Windermere Adventure Training Centre.
It is not common for celebrities of high standing to wear bags while on the red carpet or attending shows, except if they are part a complete outfit. Kate is all about neat looks, I believe.
Multiple times, Duchess has gone out with no handbag in recent months.
Weeks after returning to royal duty after her summer break in September, the mother-of-three was practical as she arrived at the RAF Air Cadets’ Windermere Adventure Training Centre, wearing a smart blazer and a pair of black jeans.
The royal finished the look with her £250 trusty brown suede See By Chloé boots, which feature leather trim detailing on a round-toe, lace-up base.
While visiting University College Londons Centre, October she reused an old Zara Zarahounds tooth dress but didn’t carry a bag.
But she chose not to bring a bag. She also spoke with ‘Windermere’ children, who were taken from concentration camps to be rescued and brought to Cumbria’s Lake District.
This trend was continued by her participation in the James Bond premiere along with Prince Charles and Camilla weeks later.
Mother-of-three Kate dazzled at the event in a custom Jenny Packham embellished gown – which is usually priced at £2,800. Featuring cape sleeve detailing and structured shoulders, she teamed her dress with bespoke £290 Onitaa earrings – which were made in Pakistan by the South Asian luxury couture label.
The Duchess and Camilla had a silver small clutch but the Duchess of Cambridge chose to leave it behind.
Hannah Eichler, Stylist said Kate can use her hands and express herself more when she loses a bag (photo taken yesterday at the Imperial War Museum).
Yesterday, the Duchess of Cambridge walked out in her bag and visited the Imperial War Museum London. She opened two galleries.
A few weeks later, when she was attending the Earthshot Prize Awards, she decided to not carry a purse.
Kate’s handbags are no longer necessary for the red carpet.
While visiting University College Londons Centre, October 2012, she reused an old Zara Zarahounds tooth dress but didn’t carry a bag.
It was an identical story in Kew at the Royal Botanic Gardens in south London when Prince William joined her to participate in Generation Earthshot.
In 2017, the founder of Beaumont Etiquette Myka Meier told Good Housekeeping that the way the Duchess ‘holds her bag in front of her in both hands when shaking hands might be awkward’.