Princess Kate and Duchess Sophie's 'trendy' summer clutches are a must this season
If there is one accessory royal women simply cannot stop carrying this season, it is the raffia clutch. Last week at the Buckingham Palace Garden Party, Princess Catherine stepped out with a small woven clutch from Forever New, while Duchess Sophie opted for a similar envelope-style design by Gabriela Hearst - both proving that timeless summer accessories never really go out of fashion.
And with Zara Tindall also embracing the trend recently in a beautifully embroidered raffia Aspinal of London bag, it feels safe to say the woven clutch has officially become the handbag of the royal summer wardrobe.
This woven envelope clutch from Dune feels like the perfect middle ground between both royal looks. While Catherine’s Forever New version leaned smaller and more understated, this design feels slightly roomier and more occasion-focused, with the structured envelope clasp giving it a very similar feel to Duchess Sophie’s chic Gabriela Hearst bag — although Sophie’s featured a brighter pop of colour.
The woven raffia-style texture keeps it feeling effortlessly summery and incredibly versatile, making it exactly the sort of bag that works for weddings, race days, garden parties, or even slipping into your suitcase for holiday evenings abroad. It strikes that sweet spot between practical and elegant too, offering enough room for your phone, makeup and essentials without feeling bulky or heavy to carry all day.
And if neutrals are not quite your thing, Dune also offers a bolder multicoloured version for shoppers wanting something a little more statement-making for summer.
The best part? You do not need to spend hundreds to tap into the look yourself, because the high street is currently filled with elegant alternatives inspired by Princess Catherine and Duchess Sophie’s polished occasion style.
This woven envelope clutch from Dune feels like the perfect middle ground between both royal looks. While Catherine’s leaned smaller and more understated, this design feels slightly roomier and more occasion-focused, with the structured envelope clasp giving it a very similar feel to Duchess Sophie’s - although hers featured a brighter pop of colour.
The woven raffia-style texture keeps it feeling effortlessly summery and incredibly versatile, making it exactly the sort of bag that works for weddings, race days, garden parties or even slipping into your suitcase for holiday evenings abroad. It strikes that sweet spot between practical and elegant too, offering enough room for your phone, makeup and essentials without feeling bulky or heavy to carry all day.
And if neutrals are not quite your thing, Dune also offers a bolder multicoloured version for shoppers wanting something a little more statement-making for summer.
More clutches inspired by Duchess Sophie
If you loved Duchess Sophie’s raffia clutch with its bold pop of colour, this Accessorize design delivers that same fun statement feel but in a much more playful, holiday-ready way. The bright pink and orange woven stripes instantly make it stand out, while the floral embroidery detail gives it that elevated boutique-style finish that feels far more expensive than its high street price tag.
Unlike Sophie’s larger envelope clutch, this one is far more compact - much closer to the size of Princess Catherine’s raffia bag, making it ideal for carrying just the essentials like your phone, lipstick, keys and cards. It is exactly the sort of bag that instantly lifts a simple linen dress, white tailoring or even denim and sandals on holiday.
Accessorizе is also a label Princess Catherine has turned to repeatedly over the years for affordable accessories, proving you do not always need a designer price tag to tap into royal-inspired style. Whether you are heading to a beach club, summer party or simply want a statement accessory for warm-weather dressing, this is the kind of handbag that does all the talking for you.
For anyone drawn to Duchess Sophie’s raffia clutch with its standout burst of colour, this Reiss bag taps into that same elegant summer mood while feeling slightly more playful and fashion-forward. The woven straw-style texture keeps it classic and timeless, while the bold coral floral detailing adds that eye-catching pop that instantly makes an outfit feel more elevated.
Much like Princess Catherine’s smaller raffia clutch, this design is compact and easy to carry, fitting just the essentials without ever feeling bulky or oversized. It is the kind of bag that works beautifully with floaty dresses, tailoring or even simple holiday outfits when you want one accessory to do all the heavy lifting.
Reiss has also become something of a royal favourite this season, with Princess Catherine, Duchess Sophie and Zara Tindall all regularly stepping out in the British label. Whether you are heading to a wedding abroad, a beachside dinner or simply want a standout summer accessory, this clutch feels like the perfect finishing touch.
