Malta government to spend estimated £50,000 on Sunita Mukhi handbags for CHOGM delegates and wives

When Prince William visited Malta last year to mark the 50th anniversary of Independence day, Michelle Muscat (Spouse of the Prime Minister) presented him with a clutch bag encrusted with Swarovski crystals in the form of an eight-pointed cross as a gift from her to his wife, who failed to show because of morning sickness.

The bag was one of a range produced by Malta-born-and-raised handbag designer Sunita Mukhi, who works out of London.

Mrs Muscat also put Mrs Mukhi on the guest list for the state reception in honour of Prince William, along with her hairdresser, personal trainer, make-up artist, personal assistant, dress designer and assorted members of her court (see photographs below).

Then in March this year, Mrs Muscat was photographed at an evening event clutching one of those very bags, only hers had her name emblazoned on it.

Now I am informed that the government of Malta, through the prime minister’s friend Phyllis Muscat and her CHOGM Organising Committee, has bought bags by Sunita Mukhi for all the wives of the Commonwealth heads of government, and for the women heads of government, and will be presenting them during the meeting next week. The budget for buying these bags was an estimated £50,000.

A clutch bag encrusted with Swarovski crystals, one of a range produced by Sunita Mukhi.

Michelle Muscat carrying her Sunita Mukhi clutch.

Sunita Mukhi (left) and Michelle Muscat with Prince William at the reception in his honour in Malta last year.

The prime minister, Sunita Mukhi and Mrs Muscat at the reception in honour of Prince William in Malta last year.