She’s an international style icon whose influence means everything she wears sells out online within minutes. The ‘Kate Effect’ is well-documented and as strong as ever, with admirers of the Duchess of Cambridge’s style rushing to snap up not just items she wears, but also the ones sported by George and Charlotte. No one seems that fussed about William’s clobber, sadly. There are certain style choices we have come to expect from Kate. Immaculate hair, nude tights, tan shoes, megawatt smile – maybe even a plaster – and a clutch bag held in front of her. We somehow doubt Kate’s clutch contains all the grot and rubbish found in, say, our handbag. But all the same, she carries one positioned in front of her for a specific reason – and it’s a good one. In an interview with Good Housekeeping the founder of Beaumont Etiquette, Myka Meier, shed some light on Kate’s signature look. “When the Duchess is at an event, she holds her bag in front of her in both hands when shaking hands might be awkward.” An awkward / limp / clammy handshake can be a painful thing indeed, so we kind of see why Kate would gracefully side-stepping this obstacle. Corroborating this was William Hanson, a coach in etiquette and protocol. “The Duchess of Cambridge is often meeting people. Royal protocol states that we should not extend our hand to Royalty, but they extend to us – and they may choose not to. By holding something – like her clutch bag – it is perhaps giving her an ‘excuse’ to not extend her hand to everyone. She can’t shake the hands of everyone she meets – the Duchess would be there all day!” Kate’s not the only member of the Royal family who has developed a tactic for getting round touching members of the public. William adds, “The Duke of Edinburgh often walks with his hands behind his back – not only does this mean he stands up straight but also that he doesn’t leave them hanging awkwardly by his side, or place one or both of them in his pocket – something that can show arrogance.”