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Nothing works harder in your wardrobe than a classic black handbag, and Princess Beatrice proved exactly that when she was snapped carrying her Strathberry design in London over the weekend, with the images shared by @royalfashionpolice on Instagram.

Strathberry has long been a favourite of the Royal Family and other celebrities, including Sarah Jessica Parker and Pamela Anderson. The Scottish label was founded in 2013 in Edinburgh by husband-and-wife duo Guy and Leeanne Hundleby. The pair specialise in luxury leather bags that, while designed in Scotland, are handcrafted in Andalucia, Spain.

Princess Beatrice opted for the brand's Mosaic bag in the nano size (18cm x 14cm x 19cm), which retails for £425. The bag is made from 100% calf leather with a soft fibre lining, and features gold hardware and the signature bar closure. There is a leather top handle for hand carrying, and it also comes with a detachable leather strap for crossbody wear.

Princess Catherine has carried the exact bag in cream, while Zara Tindall and the Duchess of Edinburgh have also stepped out with designs from the Scottish label at high-profile events.

Though the nano size is smaller than the regular, it is just the right size to carry essentials like your phone, keys, a set of AirPods and lipstick, according to the brand. If you want something a little bigger, the larger Mosaic bag (£495) measures 23 x 18 x 12cm.

The structured yet compact shape makes it ideal for everyday wear - practical enough to carry crossbody for the office, yet refined enough to take straight to dinner. While black colour is the ultimate failsafe, it also comes in deep forest green, timeless tan and rich chocolate brown - all perfect for elevating spring outfits.

Shoppers have been equally impressed. One reviewer praised the "soft leather and lightweight" feel, calling it "simple but elegant," while another said they were "absolutely obsessed with this cute little design."

Trends may come and go, but a beautifully made black handbag will always earn its place.

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