The 5 Essentials We Believe Queen Elizabeth Carries in Her Handbag
Every woman who carries a handbag has some essentials that are pretty much non-negotiable. We believe that Queen Elizabeth II is no different in this regard, although it is intriguing that she carries a bag at all. Below, we’ve identified five essentials we believe Queen Elizabeth carries in her handbag.
Though some items may seem like basics that most of us carry, a few may catch you by surprise:
- Metal Makeup Case & Lipstick
- Dog Treats
- Handkerchief
- Good Luck Charms
- Penknife
Each of these items has a certain significance to the Queen and a specific reason for being in her bag.
Her Majesty, the Queen, has some fascinating handbag habits that have been well documented and well photographed through the years. If you’re not familiar with her handbag and its significance, keep reading. We’ll tell you all about her handbags, the items listed above, and why we believe they are five essentials she carries in her handbag at all times.
What Handbag Does the Queen Carry?
Queen Elizabeth is well-known for carrying Launer handbags and is believed to own more than 200 of them. The relationship with Launer began with her Majesty’s Mum. The Queen Mother purchased a bag back in the 1950s. She later purchased another one and gave it to her daughter, Queen Elizabeth II.
The Queen has been carrying Launer handbags ever since. In 1968, she granted Launer a Royal Warrant, which is a symbol of prestige and high quality. Companies that hold a Royal Warrant have the privilege of displaying the warrant and using its seal to affiliate their brand with the royal family.
Sam Launer founded the company in the 1940s after fleeing Czechoslovakia. As they made their escape, he and his family fled to London, where they settled into a new life with a promising future. Sam’s philosophy of crafting fine handbag leather goods served him well as his company, and his reputation began to grow.
Launer has supplied Queen Elizabeth II with hundreds of purses during her reign of more than 65 years. To date, she is one of the most frequently photographed women in the world, and her handbag is almost always in those photos. The structured shape of the bags, coupled with the distinct rope emblem clasp, make the bags recognizable in photos and are, therefore, an excellent seal of approval for the manufacturer.
Does the Queen Carry Her Purse Everywhere?
Speaking of all those photos, have you ever seen a photo of the Queen without her bag? They are few and far between because she takes her bag everywhere. She has been spotted carrying her beloved Launer bag on:
- State trips
- Public engagements
- Even events held inside one of her many homes
Her Majesty views her handbag as an integral part of her wardrobe. It completes each look that she artfully curates. It’s also extremely practical to keep all of her essentials close by at all times. Last, but not least, she uses her handbag as a signal to her staff. While reading about the queen’s handbag, you may be wondering does your handbag have to match your outfit? That article has everything you need to know.
The Queen uses her bag as a polite way to signal to her attendants what she wants, without interrupting the conversation in which she is engaged.
- If she places the handbag on the table, it is a sign to her staff that she wants to leave in five minutes.
- If she places it on the floor during a conversation, it is a signal to her lady-in-waiting that she needs to be rescued from her current situation.
One thing is for certain. Her Majesty’s handbag is never stuffed, nor is it heavy. How she manages both of those feats involves what she chooses to carry inside her purse.
What Does Queen Elizabeth Carry in Her Handbag?
It’s hard to imagine that the Queen would need to carry anything around with her for convenience. With the limitless number of staff and attendants, why would she ever need to keep anything in a bag? But she carries it nonetheless.
It is widely believed that Queen Elizabeth II carries the basics in her bag that any other woman might carry. Items that top the list of assumed effects that are in her handbag include:
- Reading glasses
- Breath mints
- Eyeglasses
However, we believe there are some more interesting items floating around inside that Launer bag!
The Essentials We Believe Queen Elizabeth Carries in Her Handbag
When you think about the contents of a 95-year-old woman’s purse, it’s not likely that the following items will top your list! This is one of the reasons why we love Queen Elizabeth so much. She is unique and insistent upon carrying items that are meaningful and important to her.
Here are five essentials we believe Queen Elizabeth carries in her handbag.
Essential #1: Metal Makeup Case & Lipstick
Essential #1: Metal Makeup Case & LipstickOne of Her Majesty’s most prized possessions is a small metal makeup case. Prince Philip had it made for her as a wedding gift when they tied the knot in 1947. She has carried this metal case in her bag for more than 70 years.
In addition to the metal case, she carries a tube of lipstick for necessary touch-ups throughout the day. Since she is highly photographed, it’s important to her that she’s always ready. She is famous for doing her own makeup and also touches up her own lips.
Essential #2: Dog Treats
The Queen has always been a lover of dogs and has raised Corgis for her entire reign. She currently has three dogs, two of which were gifted to her after the passing of her beloved pup, Vulcan, in December of 2020. The third, Candy, is believed to be at least 10 years old and has been with the Queen since she was a pup.
Fun fact: Candy is actually a Dorgi, which is a cross between a dachshund and a corgi. Her Majesty is actually credited with the creation of this fun breed!
Queen Elizabeth carries a little bag of dog treats in her handbag to give to the dogs when she sees them. She is an animal lover and enjoys spending time with them. As any animal lover knows, you simply can’t love your dogs without giving them a treat or two!
Essential #3: Handkerchief
The contents of a handbag are rarely complete without some form of a handkerchief. Whether it’s a small, embroidered hankie, or something much larger, many women won’t leave home without one. Queen Elizabeth is no different.
She keeps a small handkerchief in her bag for occasions on which she might need to dab her makeup, eyes, or nose. Since the death of Prince Philip, she has been carrying one of his signature white hankies instead of one of her own. She Carried it during his funeral and is rumored to still carry it, along with a photo of the couple together.
Essential #4: Good Luck Charms
A variety of trinkets are allegedly part of the contents of the Queen’s handbag, as well. She is known to have an affinity for some good luck charms, such as miniature dogs and toy horses. Most of these items are thought to be gifts from her children and grandchildren.
Other good luck charms that are rumored to be in her handbag are family photographs.
Queen Elizabeth is very proud of her family and likes to keep them close at all times, even if it’s just through trinkets and photos. These items are also known to amuse her during her downtime.
Although not necessarily a good luck charm, she also is said to carry crossword puzzles to occupy her, in addition to the trinkets and photos listed above. It’s important that she keep her mind busy and sharp, so she uses all of the items to do just that when she’s not conducting royal business. Such items are a great way to pass the time while waiting for dignitaries, family members, or dinner. Here are some of the best handbag charms for you to check out.
Essential #5: Penknife
It may sound surprising, but Her Majesty, the Queen, is thought to carry a penknife in her handbag at all times. However, it’s not likely for the reasons that you may think. Most of us carry a pocketknife as a tool to deal with little tasks that may come up throughout the day.
For the Queen, her pen knife pays homage to her childhood adventures in Girlguiding. She became a Girl Guide in 1937, with her sister Princess Margaret, who was registered as a Brownie. Queen Elizabeth has a long-standing history with Girlguiding, and she and her mother became Patrons of the organization in 1952, the same year she assumed the throne of England.
Girlguiding is a non-profit with a focus on empowering girls to achieve great things, regardless of their background. When Queen Elizabeth became a Girl Guide at the young age of 11, she quickly became acclimated to the culture and continued her support for the group throughout her reign as Queen of England. Keeping her pen knife in her handbag serves as a reminder of her service to the country and the organization she holds dear.
The Mystery of the Queen’s Handbag Solved!
Queen Elizabeth carries her handbag religiously for a variety of reasons, many of which we’ve already discussed. She uses it to carry an assortment of items that she deems essential to her daily routine. She also feels as though she isn’t fully dressed unless she has her handbag by her side.
The bag is consistently seen draped over her left arm, allowing her to keep her right arm free for shaking hands and waving at her constituents. She also tends to opt for her Launer bags that have longer straps, as it makes shaking hands a bit easier for her. Though she has hundreds to choose from, she generally opts for the black patent Traviata model bag.
She is also known to keep the bag with her at all times while indoors at home. This is likely due to the fact that there are tons of rooms in every one of her many residences. Rather than trek all the way across Buckingham Palace to grab her readers and her crossword puzzle, she simply keeps them with her to avoid the hassle.
Final Thoughts
The Queen’s handbag habits have been a topic of discussion for many journalists, onlookers, fans, and the like. Since she is rarely seen without one, it is an obvious conversation piece for those of us on the outside looking in. The fact that she carries a bag is intriguing to the point that we all want to know what’s inside!
