Royals visit Cambridge Satchel Company factory, special collection to launch

By

Barbara Santamaria

Published
Feb 12, 2020

Prince Charles and his wife, the Duchess of Cornwall, toured the factory of handbag maker Cambridge Satchel Company in Syston, Leicestershire on Tuesday afternoon, and the firm will be launching a charity collection this month.

The brand’s founder and CEO Julie Deane, who received an OBE for services to entrepreneurship in 2014, introduced members of the design and manufacturing team as she guided the royal couple on a tour of the facilities.

The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall witnessed each stage of the making process - closely following the journey of a bag from a single leather hide to a finished satchel.

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The event coincided with the making of a special collection to support The Prince’s Foundation. Launching on 28 February, 20% of the proceeds will be donated to support the charity’s mission of creating harmonious communities through education, practice and places.

The collection will include a unique item, as Prince Charles embossed one of the bags during the visit using a vintage blocking and embossing press.

Commenting on the royal visit Julie Deane said: “This visit shines a spotlight on British style and craftsmanship that is displayed through our extensive product collection. We are proud to have supported British craftsmanship for over a decade and we continue to champion artisanal leather techniques.’’

Known for its leather messenger bags, the company produces over 8,000 bags per month. All pieces are handmade in the UK in line with its commitment to preserving British manufacturing. Collaborations with international designers including Comme des Garçons, Inès de La Fressange and Vivienne Westwood have helped it gain international recognition, while its global website, four UK stores and Chinese webstore serve consumers globally.