Carole Middleton is the new designer handbag queen at 71


Princess Kate's mother, Carole, appears to have acquired some magnificent designer bags throughout 2026. Which one is your favourite?


Carole Middleton attends day 3 'Ladies Day' of Royal Ascot 2026 at Ascot Racecourse on June 18, 2026 in Ascot, England. (Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)© Getty Images
Laura Sutcliffe
Laura SutcliffeFashion and Beauty News Editor
1 hour ago
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We've seen the fabulous Carole Middleton twice this week, and both times, she's stepped out with an incredible handbag. 

At Wimbledon on Monday, when she arrived at the famous SW19 venue alongside her middle child, Pippa, Carole looked resplendent in a classic white dress from ME+EM, which she layered with a blue linen blazer by Catherine Walker.

Carole carried a Longchamp bag on Monday, known as the  'Le Roseau S'© WireImage
Carole carried a Longchamp bag on Monday, known as the 'Le Roseau S'

Swinging from her wrist was the Longchamp 'Le Roseau S bag' in 'Cashew'. This new piece of arm candy costs £640. Crafted from smooth, supple calfskin, it exudes elegant, timeless charm. It features a modern Bamboo clasp and is the kind of accessory that could be paired with many different future outfits.

Michael and Carole Middleton during day nine of Wimbledon© Getty
Tuesday saw Carole carry a chic rattan Longchamp bag

On Tuesday, Carole returned to Wimbledon, continuing her glamorous spectator fashion in a white and blue floral sundress from ME+EM. Crafted from a linen blend, the bias-cut maxi dress was the perfect way to keep cool in the 30-degree British weather, aided by its floaty skirt and voluminous sleeves. 

Keeping it suitably summery, she accessorised with a rattan Longchamp bag, which had a pricetag of £390. The bucket-like silhouette appeared lightweight and versatile, and gave her ensemble a refined summer touch. 

Carole Middleton's Birkin bag

In March, Carole made one of her biggest ever fashion statements when she headed to Cheltenham. The mother-of-three wore a delightful outfit, featuring her royal daughter's blue fedora by Hicks & Brown, which was instantly recognisable due to the statement feathered embellishment around the brim. 

Carole Middleton attends day 2 'Ladies Day' of the Cheltenham Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 11, 2026 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)© Getty Images
Carole at the Cheltenham Festival in March

Accessorising to perfection, Carole donned a pair of chocolate-brown suede boots, leather gloves, and a longline blue-toned grey check coat. The wife of British businessman Michael Middleton finished her look with a 'Birkin' bag by Hermès in a complementary brown shade, crafted from ostrich skin.

 Carole Middleton and Zara Tindall attend day 2 'Ladies Day' of the Cheltenham Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 11, 2026 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)© Getty Images
Carole carried a rare Birkin bag

The 'Birkin' is widely regarded as one of the most famous handbags of all time. Instantly recognisable due to its structured, almost briefcase-like design, prices start at £25,000, and it is a huge seller in the preloved market.

The Princess of Wales wore an Alexander McQueen dress with a vintage Hermes clutch bag© David M. Benett
The Princess of Wales wore an Alexander McQueen dress with a vintage Hermès clutch bag in 2022

The Princess of Wales also has a Hermès bag, but not a Birkin like Carole. Prince William's wife owns the 'Rio' envelope clutch bag, which she debuted in 2023 at Royal Ascot. It looked so chic, accompanied by her flowing red Alexander McQueen dress.

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