Her purses aren't just a fashion statement, apparently they're also a discreet way to communicate with her staff.
According to The Telegraph, the Queen's purse is used for much more than just a place to store her lipstick – it’s used to send important signals to her staff.
- “If the Queen places her handbag on the table at dinner, it signals that she wants the event to end in the next five minutes.”
- “If she puts her bag on the floor, it shows she’s not enjoying the conversation and wants to be rescued by her lady-in-waiting.”
- “If she moves the handbag move from one hand to the other this means that she’s ready to wrap things up.
- Spinning her ring, Vickers says. That apparently indicates to staff she needs to be rescued immediately.
So, what does she keep in it?
- According to royal experts: a camera, glasses, sunglasses, lipstick (Clarins is reportedly her go-to brand), a handkerchief, and a little bit of cash for church collection. She also carries some more personal items – like good luck charms including miniature dogs, horses and saddles.
- She also keeps family photos including one of Prince Andrew after his safe return from the Falklands in 1982. Oh, and she apparently carries purse hooks to fasten under the table so her handbag never has to touch the ground.