When it comes to the Princess of Wales’s royal wardrobe, there are a few familiar favorites we’ve come to expect: Alexander McQueen tailoring, a penchant for pearls, and the occasional baker boy hat. But for her latest outing, Kate Middleton offered an unexpected co-sign for one of 2026’s buzziest accessory trends: the squashed bag.
Arriving for the Enthronement Ceremony to install Dame Sarah Mullally as the first female Archbishop of Canterbury this afternoon, the Princess carried a classic Chanel flap bag, which, for the eagle-eyed onlooker, appeared pre-crumpled. The slightly squashed shape, carried as a clutch, echoed Matthieu Blazy’s runway iterations this season, which appeared over-stuffed, slipping open, and purposefully disheveled. Paired with a checked tailored coat dress—a Princess of Wales signature—the choice of bag hinted at a new direction for her usually pared-back accessories, which now also includes wide-brimmed hats in similar statement check patterns.
This appearance comes after a busy week for Catherine, who celebrated St Patrick’s Day with the Irish Royal Guard before welcoming the Nigerian President and First Lady, stepping out in an on-trend look by British-Nigerian designer Tolu Coker. While we know that Catherine occasionally dabbles in the unexpected accessory, this nod to Blazy’s crumpled Chanel staples bag felt like a playful, spring-ready addition to her royal rotation.