Princess Catherine’s small handbag is not just a fashionable accessory but serves a practical purpose during official outings. According to etiquette experts, the Princess of Wales holds the clutch with both hands in front of her to signal that a handshake is not advised. This behavior follows royal protocol, where members of the royal family have the right to initiate a handshake first.
By keeping her hands occupied with the handbag, Kate avoids any awkward situations where someone may attempt to shake her hand without her initiating the gesture. This custom is a long-standing tradition among the royals, inherited from Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Diana, and is closely tied to court etiquette.
The handbag serves as a subtle yet effective tool for the Princess to navigate social interactions during public appearances, ensuring proper etiquette is maintained while allowing her to gracefully avoid any potential breaches of protocol.