Mulberry has seen an 18% increase in global handbag sales over the last six months . This growth is attributed to the popularity of the new Stevie bag and the Princess of Wales' frequent use of the Amberley Satchel during official duties.
The 28% Surge in American Demand
Mulberry's global handbag sales climbed 18% over a six-month window, according to figures reported by the Daily Mail. while the United Kingdom saw a 10% increase in sales, the most dramatic growth occurred "across the pond," where demand in the United States surged by 28%.
The brand's new Stevie bag has been identified as a key driver for the 10% rise in UK sales. This suggests that while royal visibility provides a significant boost,Mulberry is also successfully leveraging new product design to capture market share in its home territory.
How a Green Amberley Satchel Signaled Diplomacy in Belfast
The Princess of Wales recently carried a dark green leather Amberley Satchel during a royal visit to Belfast, a choice that served as a diplomatic nod to Ireland.. As reported by the Daily Mail, the Princess of Wales frequently uses "diplomatic dressing" to pay subtle tributes to the locations she visits, a strategy she also employed during a 2022 royal tour of Boston using the same bag.
The Mulberry Small Amberley Satchel is priced at £845, positioning it as an accessible luxury item.. The Princess of Wales' affinity for the brand is extensive, spanning several models including the Bayswater Tote—which she carried during a 2025 visit to Pontypridd—and the Small Amberley Crossbody, used when welcoming Nigerian President Bola Tinubu to the UK.
From the 2018 Darley Bag to Zara Tindall's Ascot Clutch
The current sales spike is part of a long-term pattern of royal patronage that extends beyond the Princess of Wales. For example, the Duchess of Sussex wore a navy small Darley bag to the 2018 Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey ,and Zara Tindall carried an Amberley clutch for Royal Ascot in both 2025 and 2026.
This sustained visibility across multiple members of the royal family creates a multi-generational appeal for Mulberry. By associating the brand with a variety of royal personas—from the formal duties of the Princess of Wales to the sporting events attended by Zara Tindall—Mulberry maintains a constant presence in the global luxury conversation.
The Gap Between £845 Luxury and £58 High-Street Lookalikes
While Mulberry enjoys a sales boost, a parallel market for affordable alternatives has emerged. High street "lookalikes" allow consumers to mimic the royal aesthetic at a fraction of the cost, such as the £58 Oliver Bonas Dotty Dark Green Crossbody Bag or the £79 Aldo Sandyz Top Handle Bag, which mirror the style of the Amberley Satchel.
It remains unclear whether the 18% overall sales increase is a direct result of the Princess of Wales' public appearances or a broader recovery in the luxury leather goods market. Furthermore,the source does not specify if the 28% US growth is tied to specific American marketing campaigns or if it is purely a result of the global "Kate effect." It is also unknown if the rise in high-street dupes is cannibalizing potential Mulberry sales or acting as a gateway for aspirational buyers.
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