Jenna Coleman carries patriotic picnic bag on London outing (but shouldn’t she be in Victoria Park?)

It is an appropriately patriotic accessory for a woman best known for playing Queen Victoria… but the price tag of the Union Jack bag Jenna Coleman took to a picnic last week would have left the famously frugal Monarch distinctly unamused.

For the oversize Christian Dior tote the actress used to carry her blanket and other goodies sells for a princely £3,500.

Ms Coleman, 34, travelled from the North London home she shares with boyfriend Tom Hughes, who plays her on-screen husband Prince Albert, to enjoy the sunshine in Regent’s Park. Even if she might have felt a little more at home in Victoria Park, a few miles away in East London.

Mr Hughes, 35, was nowhere to be seen as his partner enjoyed a relaxing afternoon with a blonde friend who soaked up the sweltering rays in a bikini.

Ms Coleman wore a fashionable black-and-white checked maxi dress, coordinated with a pair of black sandals, which she kicked off once she’d reached the picnic spot.

While the sunny weather and close companion made for a perfect day out, the former Doctor Who star couldn’t quite pull herself away from her phone. Not only was she spotted animatedly chatting into it, she was also eager to check her messages.

Last year, Ms Coleman said she was taking ‘a bit of a breather’ from ITV’s Victoria after its third series, but writer Daisy Goodwin says she has plans for another season.