The Tamesis
When it comes to the Princess of Wales’s royal wardrobe, there are some familiar favorites we’ve come to expect: Alexander McQueen tailoring, a fondness for pearls, and the occasional baker’s boy hat. But in Kate Middleton’s latest appearance, she unexpectedly teamed up with one of the hottest accessory trends of 2026: the squash bag.
Photo: Getty Images
As she arrived this afternoon for the enthronement of Dame Sarah Mulally as the first female Archbishop of Canterbury, the princess was carrying a classic Chanel flap bag which, to eagle-eyed onlookers, appeared to be wrinkled. The slightly squashed shape, carried as a clutch, echoes Matthieu Blazy’s iterations on the runway this season, which looked bloated, slid open and intentionally messy. Paired with the Princess of Wales’ signature plaid custom coat dress, the choice of bag hinted at a new direction in her typically minimalist accessories, which now also include a wide-brimmed hat in a statement-like plaid pattern.
Photo: Getty Images
