The Princess of Wales was greeted with cheers and smiles from the crowd as she stepped out for her first engagement in Italy during her milestone solo trip. The 44-year-old royal looked confident in a blue power suit as she waved at royal fans upon her arrival at the Piazza Camillo Prampolini. The mother-of-three impressed children in the crowd by speaking Italian to them "perfectly" but during that moment, the Princess made a potentially controversial decision.
© WireImageWe saw Kate bend down in her sky-high heels, to ensure she was at eye level for the young children - a move we've seen her pull on many occasions. However, it was what she decided to do with her bag that could raise some eyebrows. Kate carefully lowered her brand-new Asprey in powder blue hue to the floor, on the ground outside of the Reggio Emilia Town Hall. This action was likely to be so she could use both hands to gesture to the kids but for many etiquette experts this could be considered a faux pas or a taboo move, because it can be seen as unlucky or also dirty. It is worth noting that the gorgeous bag in question also retails for over £3,000.
© Samir Hussein/WireImageLater on, Princess Kate was spotted without her bag, but it was then safely in the hands of her assistant who was busy co-ordinating in the background. This meant Kate had her hands free to join in with crafting and fun at the Loris Malaguzzi International Centre she visited in the afternoon.
© PA Images via Getty ImagesQueen Camilla's handbag dilemma
Just over two weeks ago, on 28 April, Princess Kate's mother-in-law, Queen Camilla, had the exact same issue while on a state visit with her husband, King Charles. Ahead of King Charles' landmark speech at US Congress, Camilla was seen swiftly leaving her bag on the floor, to keep it out of view of the cameras, which were pointing at the monarch.
© Alamy Stock PhotoThis move caused a stir online with one etiquette expert even being called up for TV to comment on the moment. Alison M. Cheperdak is an etiquette coach, and she's unpacked the brief moment for Fox Local News. She said it was a "game-time decision" for the British Queen, remarking that she had only a split second to choose between putting it on the floor or higher up on the chair. She also says it is an "oversight" on behalf of royal staff, who should have thought about these arrangements.
Someone on Instagram defended Camilla's action for being a humble move. "I think it shows humility that she put it on the floor. It would have been distracting on the table. Well done," they penned.
