Meghan’s Hollywood handbags are out

When Meghan Markle arrived on the Royal scene thanks to her budding romance with Prince Harry, her formidable collection of handbags acquired from her years as a television actress set trends and tongues wagging.
 
While handbag makers such as Roland Mouret, Australian brand Oroton and Scottish label Strathberry rejoiced at Markle’s choice of their cross-body styles, Royal watchers were stunned by the casual air of her accessories.

Meghan Markle with a clutch bag from Australian brand, Oroton. Image: Getty
 
At formal events members of the Royal family, including the Queen and Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, carry clutches and bags with small handles. This is because a retinue of staff and ladies in waiting means that Meghan no longer has to carry her purse, makeup, chewing gum and house keys with her.
 
Clutches are also seen as a style buffer for Royals when they don’t wish to shake hands with the public.
 
Just like Meghan’s wispy hair has been tamed at recent Royal engagements, it seems that she is joining The Firm’s approach to accessories, adopting clutches for formal events.
 
"As the Duchess of Sussex has started attending events that are more formal in nature, we see her handbag style transitioning from larger, casual totes to smaller, more formal clutches," said etiquette coach Myka Meier from Beaumont Etiquette.
 
Fortunately, Markle is already familiar with the power of a clutch.
 
Here are our picks from her handbag collection and how you can get the look.
 
Meghan and Prada

Meghan Markle in Alexander McQueen, February 2018. Image: Getty 

While Meghan Markle’s trim and unconventional Alexander McQueen suit stole headlines on Feburary 1, when she attended the Eandeavour Fund Awards for wounded, injured and sick serviceman she proudly sported a Prada convertible clutch.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry at Buckingham Palace, June 2018. Image: Getty
 
The elegant four-figure accessory made a second appearance when  Meghan teamed it with a Prada suit last month at Buckingham Palace, attending the Queen Elizabeth Young Leader Awards. 

The Duchess of Sussex and The Queen in June 2018. Image: Getty

It’s no wonder that Meghan turned to Givenchy for clutch support when she attended her first official engagement with the Queen without new husband Prince Harry.
 
The Duchess of Sussex’s elegant wedding dress was also by Clare Waight Keller, the British creative director of  the esteemed French haute couture house Givenchy. 
 
The clutch features a gold chain but Meghan adopted her grandmother-in-law’s style with a hands on approach.

The Duchess of Sussex with Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall in May 2018. Image: Getty
 
For her first official engagement at the Prince of Wales' 70th Birthday Patronage Celebration held at Buckingham Palace in May, Meghan brandished an oyster pink clutch from London brand Wilbur & Gussie.
 
No surprises, the clutch is now sold out. Everything Meghan touches turns to sold.