Meghan Markle has never shied away from the finer things in life, and her love for high-end fashion is clear in her accessory collection.
According to luxury retail expert Christos Garkinos, the Duchess of Sussex, 44, has amassed a handbag collection valued at a staggering $350,000.
On top of that, she has reportedly spent between $35,000 and $40,000 on shoes since 2022, making her the royal with the priciest accessory wardrobe.
Garkinos recently compared the wardrobes of six prominent royal women—including Princess Catherine, Princess Anne, the Duchess of Edinburgh, and Queen Camilla—in what he called a “fascinating case study.”
He pointed out that Meghan’s collection is smaller than those of her peers, with fewer official appearances, yet she spends the most per item.
“Her mix [of shoes and bags] is smaller but higher-ticket,” he told the Daily Mail.
The Duchess favors Dior’s iconic Lady bags, Fendi’s Peekaboo, and minimalist pieces from Polène and Strathberry, while her shoe choices lean toward Aquazzura, Manolo Blahnik, and Chanel.
Even with fewer public outings, her accessories are firmly rooted in luxury brands, Garkinos noted.
Catherine, Princess of Wales, and Timeless Elegance
In contrast, Catherine, 43, blends accessible British labels with select heritage pieces to create a wardrobe that is both timeless and versatile, estimated at around $305,000.
Known for her impeccable style, Catherine recently topped British Vogue’s inaugural “Best Dressed” list, reinforcing her status as the “eternal influencer.”
Vogue highlighted the so-called “Kate effect,” noting her quiet brand endorsements often lead to sold-out items.
Most recently, royal fans rushed to acquire the chocolate brown DeMellier bag Catherine debuted during a visit to the Anna Freud Centre.
Valued at £415 and only available for pre-order, it is just one addition to her already substantial collection.
Garkinos emphasized that her fashion choices are more about balance than extravagance.
“Catherine knows when to splurge and when to repeat, which is why her pieces age so well in the public eye,” he said.
Her shoe collection features loyal picks from Gianvito Rossi, averaging around $800 per pair, while her handbags, particularly Chanel, are valued at roughly $250,000.
Queen Camilla’s Comfortable Luxury
Queen Camilla’s wardrobe, valued at approximately $165,000, focuses on comfort and brand loyalty.
She frequently chooses Aspinal of London and Launer, the latter being the late Queen Elizabeth II’s favored brand.
Camilla’s footwear, primarily from Sole Bliss, includes 13 pairs designed for comfort, famously worn even after she sustained a broken toe.
At the Commonwealth Day Service in March 2023, she paired a vibrant cobalt Fiona Clare coat with a matching Philip Treacy fascinator, accessorized with Queen Elizabeth II’s Russian Sapphire Cluster Brooch and a £1,400 Launer clutch.
Her approach shows that even within royal fashion, practicality and heritage can go hand in hand.
Princess Anne and the Value of Longevity
Princess Anne stands out as the minimalist of the group.
Her handbags and shoes likely total under $25,000, but Garkinos highlighted that her true strength lies in the longevity of her pieces.
She frequently rewears British leather goods and sensible pumps over decades, making her cost per wear the highest among the royals.
Similarly, the Duchess of Edinburgh and Zara Tindall maintain collections estimated at around $40,000 each, emphasizing practicality and understated elegance over high-cost splurges.
Meghan’s Fashion Influence
Although Meghan did not appear on British Vogue’s “Best Dressed” list this year, she has had a significant influence on fashion since her engagement to Prince Harry in 2017.
One of her most notable impacts came when she carried the Strathberry Tri-Colour Midi Tote, which sold out in just 11 minutes, catapulting the small Scottish brand into the global spotlight.
Meghan has explained that she chooses designers she has meaningful relationships with and supports emerging brands, seeing it as a way to make a powerful statement with even the smallest accessory.
“Times where I know there is a global spotlight… I support designers that I have really great friendships with, and smaller, up-and-coming brands that haven’t gotten the attention that they should be getting,” she told The New York Times.
Catherine’s Focus on Purpose Over Fashion
Catherine, meanwhile, has recently shifted her approach to keep the spotlight on her charitable work rather than her wardrobe.
A Kensington Palace source told The Sunday Times that outfit details will no longer be routinely released, a move inspired by her cancer journey and a new perspective on priorities.
Her fashion choices are now carefully curated to enhance, not overshadow, her public engagements.
Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn