Princess Anne is right – gift shops are an unlikely treasure trove of fashion finds
Princess Anne is known for her no-nonsense approach to style. There are pieces in her wardrobe which she has worn over and over again at different times throughout her life, and she prefers Britain’s sporty, heritage brands to anything haute couture.
In fact, just last week, she was photographed wearing a coat that had belonged to her mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II. So it should come as no surprise that the royal has been spotted carrying a handbag sold at the Balmoral Castle gift shop, of all places.
The Balmoral Blue Jura Handbag, which costs £80.95, is still available to buy from the royal residence’s on-site store, and has been part of Anne’s accessories arsenal since at least September 2022.
It was during that month that she was seen wearing it frequently, on at least four different occasions during the aftermath of Queen Elizabeth II’s death – perhaps in a poignant nod to where her beloved mother had died. She also wore it to the funeral of King Constantine II of Greece last January.
The bag is described on the castle website as being “ideal for the woman on the go” and having “a range of zipped pockets inside and out for easy access to your bits and pieces”.
It’s exactly the kind of practical piece we’ve come to associate with Anne. Made from leather by The Leather Guild and a special Balmoral blue tweed fabric, the cross-body style can also be worn on the shoulder, with an adjustable strap.
While we can’t be sure if Anne perused the gift shop herself or was given the bag as a present, one thing is certain: there are some real treasures to be found at gift shops all around the UK.
Often stocking local artisan brands, and specially-commissioned pieces, they are a great place to find items that are a little different to what you might find on the rest of the high street, and that, surely, you’re unlikely to spot on someone else.
Here are some of The Telegraph’s favourite gift shops, for unexpectedly stylish shopping.
Balmoral Castle, Aberdeenshire
Star buy: Balmoral Blue Jura Handbag, £80.95, balmoralcastle.com
Alongside the Princess Royal’s cross-body bag, there are other beautifully made accessories featuring the special Balmoral blue tweed, including pet collars, hats, scarves and wallets. It’s the ideal place to restock your whisky cupboard, too.
Highcliffe Castle, Bournemouth
The Highcliffe Castle gift shop has a constantly changing selection of goodies throughout the year. Stock up on local jams, honey, biscuits and tea from Dorset and Hampshire, plus fun ceramics that feature notable women, British prime ministers and Shakespeare characters.
National Portrait Gallery, London
Star buy: 1972 print silk scarf, £95, Amelia Graham at npgshop.co.uk
We’ll let you in on a fashion secret: the jewellery at the National Portrait Gallery gift shop is great. The pieces, exclusive to the shop, were designed by jeweller Sophie Howard, and include star and pearl stud earrings, crescent moon necklaces and even an Anne Boleyn-inspired necklace with a ‘B’ pendant.
Tate St Ives, Cornwall
Star buy: Red and gold drop earrings, £90, Joan Miro at shop.tate.org.uk
The rugged landscape of coastal Cornwall is the source of inspiration for the beautiful gifts stocked in the Tate St Ives shop, which sells greetings cards, prints and jewellery.
London Transport Museum, London
Star buy: Moquette Pouffe, £300, ltmuseumshop.co.uk
Any design aficionado worth their salt will wax lyrical about the Art Deco inspired upholstery on the London Underground, which were dreamt up by textile designers Enid Marx, Marion Dorn and Paul Nash. Happily, you can buy soft furnishings and cushions in the iconic, colourful prints from the gift shop, alongside vintage posters by the likes of Man Ray.
Charleston House, Oxfordshire
Every inch of Charleston House, the former home of Virginia Woolf’s sister, Vanessa Bell, has been decorated by hand, with colourful, joyful murals throughout. The same eclectic spirit is evident in the gift shop, which sells whimsical homewares, fabrics and stationery.
The V&A, London
Star buy: Ponderosa socks, £20, vam.ac.uk/shop
You’re spoilt for choice at the V&A, which has three gift shops, including one dedicated to its fashion exhibitions (a tote bag from here is a Gen Z status symbol). Selling a range of design gems, expect to find plenty of museum exclusives such as William Morris print silk scarves, and Michael Michaud’s Lily of the Valley necklaces.
Chatsworth House, Derbyshire
Star buy: Navy plaid scarf, £25, shop.chatsworth.org
The lavish family seat of the Duke of Devonshire is known for its impressive art collection. Unsurprisingly, the gift shop celebrates local artists and makers. There’s a particularly lovely selection of check scarves and wool blankets, plus costume jewellery inspired by nature.
Sir John Soane Museum, London
The former home of the Victorian architect of the same name, the Sir John Soane Museum is one of London’s hidden gems. You can support it by shopping its collection of unique pieces inspired by the archives, including scarves and jewellery. Every purchase helps with the upkeep of the building.
