There was a time when the Duchess of Cambridge was rarely seen on an official engagement without a small box clutch, often clasped in front of her with both hands.
However in recent weeks, Kate Middleton, 39, has been spotted out and about without a bag in hand.
Yesterday, the mother-of-three stepped out at the Imperial War Museum in London to open two new galleries without a bag, while earlier this month her signature clutch was notably abset when she walked the red carpet for both the James Bond premiere and Earthshot prize.
Stylists have now revealed how the decision could be more than a fashion choice, with Hannah Eichler telling FEMAIL: 'Accessories have often been a clever trick for royals, as a means of busying nervous hands.
'Now that Kate has been a pivotal part of the Royal family for over a decade, she no longer needs tricks to drawing attention away from shaking hands, and instead is at ease with public speaking.'
There was a time when the Duchess of Cambridge was rarely seen on an official engagement without a small box clutch, often carried in front of her with both hands. However in recent weeks, Kate Middleton, 39, has been spotted out and about without a bag in hand
The celebrity stylist explained: 'The so called It bag has long been heralded as the most coveted piece in a woman’s wardrobe, but as our style takes on a more modest note, arm candy seems to be fading in significance.
'The Duchess of Cambridge’s collection of luxe handbags have received the fashion approval of even the most discerning designer bag experts, but the eagle eyes among you will note Kate has ditched the look of late.'
She continued: 'With her new found confidence in public speaking and engaging with members of the public comes a genuine desire to appear more genuine.
'Hands are considered the emotional barometer, and therefore using her hands to express her feelings allows Kate to connect more to those who she is speaking.'
Stylists have now revealed how the decision could be more than a fashion choice, and could be a sign of the royal's increasing confidence in The Firm (left, walking the red carpet at the James Bond premiere in September, and right, at the Earthshot Prize awards in October)
Meanwhile Hannah also revealed the Duchess' choice of outfits may also be impacting whether or not she carries a bag.
She said: 'The trend for pockets has mean that fashion fans are enabled to go hands free!
'Kate often opts for coats with disguised and patch pockets to keep a limited number of personal possessions.'
The celebrity stylist continued: 'Kate has also been becoming more daring on the fashion front and as any style expert knows it’s all about letting your look take centre stage.
In previous years, the Duchess has regularly been spotted with a clutch bag in hand (left, at an engagement in May 2019), but recently she has been attending engagements without one
