
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.