Kate Middleton only carries four items in her handbag - including nifty tool

Kate, the Princess of Wales, is well known for her fashionable looks, and enviable handbag collection, but when it comes to what she keeps inside her stylish bags, she opts for the practical

Few people have the fashion influence that Kate, the Princess of Wales has established since she joined the Royal Family.

The Princess is known for her fondness of re-wearing her favourite outfits in a nod to sustainability and mixing a blend of high-end pieces with high-street staples, to great effect. She's also got a seriously enviable handbag collection - from elegant envelope clutches that she carries when on the more glamorous and couture occasions to the classic designs of Mulberry and Aspinal of London that she often opts for in the daytime.

Whilst Kate clearly pays a great deal of attention to the details of putting together her looks and coordinating her accessories with outfits, when it comes to what the royal keeps inside her bag - it's a much more practical affair.

According to royal author Marcia Moody in her book Kate: A Biography, the Princess of Wales only carries four essential items when she's out and about on engagements - and they are all really practical. The first is blotting paper, a nifty tool that helps you stay shine-free whilst you are on the go, and unable to cleanse any sweat or oil properly. Kate keeps the sheets on hand to make sure she is camera-ready when she arrives at events, claims royal author Marcia Moody in her book Kate: A Biography.

Next up, is another essential that occupies pride of place in most handbags up and down the country - a compact mirror - which likely helps Kate keep up her reputation of never having a hair out of place, reports MamaMia. The third item that the Princess never reportedly goes without is another essential - the humble but mighty lip balm.

Finally, Kate always carries a handkerchief, ensuring that she isn't caught out by a rogue sneezing fit - and whether you go for a cloth handkerchief or a handy pack of disposable tissues, it's something most people have tucked away in their handbags.

For the time being Kate is undergoing a course of preventative chemotherapy and will be away from her royal duties until her medical team advise it is appropriate for her to return. In an emotional video message during which she revealed her diagnosis and treatment plan, Kate explained: "We hope that you will understand that, as a family, we now need some time, space, and privacy while I complete my treatment. My work has always brought me a deep sense of joy and I look forward to being back when I am able, but for now, I must focus on making a full recovery."

Kensington Palace has been contacted for comment.

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