Coco Chanel once said, "Dress shabbily and they remember the dress; dress impeccably and they remember the woman." The Princess of Wales is renowned for her impeccable style, and her love for Chanel is no secret. With an innate sense of elegance, Princess Kate often opts for Chanel's timeless designs, showcasing her admiration for the brand's classic aesthetic.
Last year she wore a vintage blue tweed jacket by Chanel which was first released in 1995. (Iconic.) As the Princess becomes more established in her role, her attitude towards occasion dressing has evolved into a refined regality. We couldn’t have imagined her rocking an electric blue vintage Chanel number at the beginning of her tenure as royal girlfriend, but now that Kate has matured into a bonafide style icon and future Queen it couldn’t seem a more appropriate move. This wasn't the first time she’s championed the French luxury maison however. Although Kate tends to favour British brands (for obvious reasons) she has on several occasions donned the Coco Chanel-founded label.
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Whether attending royal engagements or casual outings, Kate effortlessly incorporates Chanel pieces into her wardrobe, from iconic tweed jackets to sophisticated quilted handbags. Her choice reflects not only her fashion-forward sensibility but also an appreciation for the craftsmanship and heritage associated with the French luxury maison.
How many Chanel bags does Princess Kate own?
According to royal watchers, Kate is the owner of three Chanel handbags. The burgundy bag the Princess of Wales often carries is from Chanel's autumn/winter 2016/2017 collection. It boasts the iconic Chanel logo on the front in matching enamel and an intricately patterned enamel and brass handle. It’s made from quilted calfskin leather, and is no longer available for purchase.
She also owns a £2,810 classic 'Wallet On Chain' lambskin bag which doubles as a clutch, she debuted it at the National Portrait Gallery in June 2023. Finally she owns a £3,960 Chanel mini flap bag which she wore for the first time at the Rugby World Cup in October 2023.
Princess of Wales wears her Chanel flap bag prior to the Quarter Final match
Sports enthusiasts and royal fans were delighted when the Princess of Wales attended the Rugby World Cup quarter-final match between England and Fiji in Marseilles. Her presence brought an extra layer of elegance and excitement to the eagerly awaited game. She looked incredibly sophisticated in a beautiful white boucle blazer from Zara, highlighting her impeccable fashion taste. To complement her outfit, she carried a £3,960 Chanel mini flap bag, a stylish choice that also paid homage to the tournament's host country.
The Princess of Wales opted for a demure Chanel clutch
The National Portrait Gallery was officially reopened by the Princess of Wales on 20 June after a significant three-year renovation. Kate, the gallery’s patron, appeared graceful in a black and white Self-Portrait dress as she explored the cultural institution. Kate showcased her elegance in the stylish dress, complemented by a chic Chanel clutch and Aquazzura pumps. Her royal visit occurred just two days before the gallery welcomed visitors back, marking the completion of the ambitious £35.5 million redevelopment project.
Catherine, Princess of Wales arrives for her visit of Greentown Labs, North America wearing Chanel
The Princess of Wales visited Greentown Labs, the largest clean-tech incubator in North America, to gain insights into the nurturing and scaling of climate innovation. During her walkabout in Boston, Massachusetts, Princess Kate impressed everyone with her stylish ensemble. She wore a plum-colored jacket and trouser set, beautifully paired with a blush pink pussybow blouse. The attention to detail extended to her matching bag, a burgundy accessory from Chanel's AW17 collection, which caught the eyes of fashion enthusiasts around the world.
The Princess of Wales proved that the label is timeless
The Princess of Wales attended the 10th Anniversary Celebration of Coach Core at Copper Box Arena on October 13 in London. Kate captivating the crowd in a chic ensemble comprising classic black trousers paired with a gorgeous blue vintage tweed jacket from Chanel. The jacket featured an elegant trim and exquisite gold button detailing, adding to its charm and hailed from 1995. Her hair was expertly blow-dried, and her makeup, as usual, was flawlessly applied, enhancing her natural beauty.
Princess Kate is a regular wearer of the burgundy Chanel bag
Princess Kate visited The Angela Marmont Centre For UK Biodiversity at Natural History Museum on October 9 in London. Her Royal Higness is patron of the Natural History Museum. Arriving at the Natural History Museum, Kate Middleton exuded chic elegance, carrying a Chanel bag to complement her outfit. She shared that the museum holds a special place in her family's heart. The future queen effortlessly showcased her high-low style in a pair of khaki wide-leg culottes from Jigsaw, priced at £89, paired with a burgundy jumper featuring a scallop neck from Warehouse, which cost £39.
Princess Kate and Prince William, visit the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden.
During the second day of her Royal visit to Sweden and Norway on January 31, the princess paid a visit to the Karolinska Institute. There, she engaged with academics and practitioners to delve into Sweden's strategies for addressing mental health issues. To combat the chilly weather, she wore a stylish houndstooth coat by Catherine Walker. Adding a touch of sophistication, she accessorised her outfit with her burgundy Chanel handbag and brown gloves.
The royal couple attended Sunday service at St Mary Magdalene Church
On January 7 Kate attended the Sunday morning service at St. Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, Norfolk. This church is located on the Sandringham Estate, where the Royals typically spend the festive period. During the service, the Duchess was in the company of other members of the Royal Family, including the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh. For the occasion, Kate wore a Turpin Tweed coat from Moloh’s AW13 collection. She paired it with a Lacorine Alpaca Fur Hat and Cornelia James' gloves featuring faux fur trim. Completing her ensemble, she carried her go-to Chanel bag.
Princess Kate visited Les Invalides military hospital during an official two-day visit to Paris
For a trip to Paris Kate Middleton was outfitted by Chanel's Karl Lagerfeld, a fantasy for most fashion enthusiasts, but a reality for her. The Princess paid homage to the renowned fashion house by donning a multicoloured tweed blazer dress paired with a branded belt. This fashionable choice marked one of the final stops on the two-day royal tour of the French capital with her husband, Prince William. The outfit was consistent with Middleton's penchant for polished silhouettes, featuring a knee-length hemline, collared neck, and a fitted waist. However, this particular Chanel style, adapted from the house's pre-spring '17 collection, incorporated contemporary touches, including trendy flared sleeves and an unexpected combination of tweed colours. To complete the look, she carried her burgundy top-handle bag from the brand. This event marked the first appearance of Kate's now-signature Chanel bag.
