The top royal fashion rule Princess Kate, Duchess Sophie and Princess Anne must follow

It is no surprise that when one becomes a member of the Royal Family there is a strict code of conduct to follow including many rules surrounding protocol that all of the members must follow. The late Queen Elizabeth homed in on many traditions women of the family should adopt, right down to the hand that they held their bag in.

Handbags are a common accessory used by royals during their outings. And, according to royal expert Myka Meier of Beaumont Etiquette, royals like Princess Kate and the Duchess of Edinburgh are always spotted holding their clutch bags in their left hand, so their right hand is free to wave and meet and greet.

Princess Anne was spotted at the races earlier this year donning a stunning look and decided to bring along a leather shoulder bag. The 74-year-old placed it perfectly on her left shoulder as she mingled in the enclosure.

Despite stepping down from being a working member of the Firm, the Duchess of Sussex continues to do it when out in public. Handbags are a huge part of their outfit and common accessories during outings.

They meet a lot of people and it is important to greet them by shaking their hand. By holding the item on the left their right hand is free to wave, shake hands, and greet the public.

King Charles even holds his briefcase in his left hand. Reports suggest that men should always enter a room or event holding the travel bag on that side so they are prepared to shake hands firmly with their right.

Queen Elizabeth II also carried a handbag on her arm, which served as a fashion statement as well as a way to communicate with her servants.

The former monarch was keen to fulfil her duty as the head of State in every single possible way and took the responsibility seriously right down to the finer detaiils of each individual royal.

It was reported that she preferred the likes of Kate, 43, and Sophie, 59 to wear skirts and dresses opposed to trousers.

This is possibly the reason why the late Queen was hardly ever photographed in suits or even informal outdoor wear.

However, Meghan, 43, was rebellious when it came to her style in the spotlight as a royal. The American was fond of straight-legged co-ords. One of her most iconic looks was the Givenchy blazer and trouser set she wore while visiting Ireland with Prince Harry back in 2019. She is a huge fan of the designer and allowed them to create her stunning wedding gown.

Critics have said that she follows in the footsteps of her late mother-in-law Princess Diana who often broke the rules when it came to some of her most show-stopping moments.

The former Princess of Wales was famed for wearing tuxedo suits to events – which was one of a kind back in her day when royal ladies did not take centre stage apart from the late Queen.

While Queen Elizabeth II didn’t prefer the style, it wasn’t completely prohibited. However, if women who represent the crown wear dresses then they should be kept around knee-length, in line with formal attire.