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IN THE BAG

This is why Meghan Markle has ditched bulky handbags for Kate Middleton-approved ‘elegant’ clutches

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MEGHAN Markle has made numerous changes to her life since joining the royal family – but have you spotted she’s ditched her favourite bags?

Prince Harry’s wife, 36, has recently avoided wearing cross-body bags and followed Kate Middleton’s example in carrying sleek clutches.

 Meghan dazzles at her first Ascot wearing another Givenchy outfit - carrying yet another clutch bag
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Meghan dazzles at her first Ascot wearing another Givenchy outfit - carrying yet another clutch bagCredit: Reuters
  • Satin clutch, £1,390 from Givenchy -

Meghan recently carried lighter clutch bags by Givenchy for her appearances at Ascot and also in Cheshire with the Queen.

And for her first Buckingham Palace garden party, she opted for an envelope bag by Wilbur & Gussie.

The tiny accessories make a change from the larger cross-body and tote alternatives she previously favoured for outings with Prince Harry to Nottingham and Edinburgh.

Fashion stylist Harriet Davey, who has styled the likes of Caroline Flack and Ferne McCann, told Fabulous: "Actress Meghan had a laid back casual style, however Duchess of Sussex Meghan naturally has adapted to her new role and changed her style to suit her surroundings.

 Meghan stepped out at the Commonwealth Youth Forum in April with a Avalon Zip Top Crossbody Bag in black and cream, which costs £171 from Oroton
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Meghan stepped out at the Commonwealth Youth Forum in April with a Avalon Zip Top Crossbody Bag in black and cream, which costs £171 from OrotonCredit: Getty - Contributor

"She's ditched her favourite cross-body bag we can all find in our wardrobes, in favour of a more sophisticated clutch style - just like Kate Middleton.

"It's good that she has someone who also married in to the royal family to take fashion notes from, and with so many royal protocols to follow it's no surprise she's looking to K Mid for some tips.

"A clutch also gives her the opportunity to flash THAT ring, and with the pick of every designer going for her latest arm-candy, we don't blame her for opting for a Givenchy clutch to do so!"

 Meghan also carries a black clutch for her first public appearance without Prince Harry in Cheshire
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Meghan also carries a black clutch for her first public appearance without Prince Harry in CheshireCredit: AFP
 Meghan Markle made her first post-wedding appearance at the a Buckingham Palace garden party for the Prince of Wales' 70th birthday, carrying a pink clutch
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Meghan Markle made her first post-wedding appearance at the a Buckingham Palace garden party for the Prince of Wales' 70th birthday, carrying a pink clutchCredit: PA
  • Charlie oyster silk clutch, £205, Wilbur & Gussie - 

You may have noticed that Kate Middleton tends to opt for a clutch bag, while the Queen favours a small black Laurner handbag - both of which can be clutched in two hands.

According to royal insiders, the reason Kate does this is to avoid awkward encounters with people who may try to shake her hand.

Beaumont Etiquette expert Myka Meier : "When the Duchess is at an event, she holds her bag in front of her in both hands when shaking hands might be awkward.

"Or she can place it in one hand to have the other free. It never gets tucked under an arm or placed on the ground or table."

 Kate Middleton tends to opt for a small clutch - which she can hold between two hands
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Kate Middleton tends to opt for a small clutch - which she can hold between two handsCredit: Getty - Contributor

But etiquette expert William Hanson warned that Kate's technique could appear standoffish.

He told the : "Male royalty, such as The Duke of Edinburgh, often walk down line-ups with their hands clasped behind their backs, which although technically not correct, they can get away with due to their elevated position.

"Another good way to avoid unwanted hands."

We recently revealed that Prince George and Princess Charlotte are banned from playing with this popular toy.

And this is how Meghan Markle’s body language has changed since marrying Prince Harry.

This is why Meghan Markle always wears shoes that are too big for her
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