Princess Kate’s secret fashion weapon that makes her look super confident in public

The royal style icon has relied on a very specific accessory to help her appear less nervous, according to experts.
Duke And Duchess Of Cambridge Visit Northern Ireland – Day Two

Princess Kate has a “secret” fashion hack which she uses all the time – and expert say it makes the Princess of Wales look elegant, as she exudes confidence on every official visit.

Princess Kate’s confidence has soared in recent years as she’s adapted to the very public role – but one little trick appears to have helped the mother of three along the way.

According to fashion experts her frequent use of clutch bags acted as a “means of busying nervous hands.”

Hannah Eichler, a celebrity fashion expert who now works for clothing and accessories brand SHEIN, said: “Accessories have often been a clever trick for royals, as a means of busying nervous hands.

“Now that Kate has been a pivotal part of the Royal family for over a decade, she no longer needs tricks to drawing attention away from shaking hands, and instead is at ease with public speaking.”

The Prince and Princess of Wales Attend Wimbledon 2023 – Day 14

Princess Kate as she greets people with her trusty clutch in the other hand

But it seems that although Princess Kate does still sometimes reaches for the classic, accessory – including an Emmy London clutch at Wimbledon last year – however, she’s relying on it less, MailOnline reports.

Hannah added: “Hands are considered the emotional barometer, and therefore using her hands to express her feelings allows Kate to connect more to those who she is speaking.”

Kate’s penchant for clutch bags was once called her shield when in public situations – and used as a way to avoid awkward handshakes.

Myka Meier, the founder of Beaumont Etiquette, told Good Housekeeping that Kate “holds her bag in front of her in both hands when shaking hands might be awkward.”

Etiquette expert William Hanson said: “It is protocol that you do not extend your hand to any member of the Royal Family (blood royal or those who have married into the family) unless their hand extends first — hence the reason Kate feels the need to pick a bag that puts both her hands out of commission,”

Kate is not the only royal who has relied on a bag with her late mother-in-law, Queen Camilla, also using a clever clutch bag tactic.

Chelsea-based handbag designer Anya Hindmarch regularly helped the Princess of Wales with her accessories after she opened her West London store in 1993.

Ms Hindmarch said: “We used to laugh when we designed what she called her ‘cleavage bags,’ little satin clutches which she would cover her cleavage with when she stepped out of cars.”