Queens Handbag: Myths, Facts, and Inside Secrets

Queen Elizabeth II, a revered figure whose life was filled with tradition and ceremony, often intrigued the public with the enigma of her personal belongings, especially her handbag. Throughout her reign, her iconography included a larger-than-life clutch, a symbol of both security and communication. This article delves into the contents, symbolism, and practical uses of the Queen's handbag, undermining the notion of hidden secrets and providing evidence of the modest, everyday items it might contain.

The Contents of Queen Elizabeth's Handbag

While the inside of the Queen's handbag remained a closely guarded secret, with the Royal Family typically maintaining such privacy, some educated guesses can be made based on reliable sources and past ceremonial practices. Here is what might commonly be found inside her bag:

Essential Items: Some quotidian necessities that every woman would need, such as a wallet, keys, and tissues. Personal Items: Cherished items that would hold sentimental value, like family photos or a favorite piece of jewelry, possibly pearls. Practical Tools: Items that could be useful throughout the day, such as a pen, notepad, and a small calendar.

Legendary Signals and Hidden Meanings

Beyond these basic items, the Queen's handbag served as a subtle communication tool. She used her handbag to send signals to her entourage. A small clock, designed to keep events on schedule, would also be a handy item. Another discreet signal might involve placing her handbag on the floor to indicate that she wanted to leave a room. These small gestures added layers of sophistication to social interactions.

For instance, when the Queen wanted to end a conversation or escape a clamorous event, she used more nuanced signals. If she felt trapped in a conversation and wished to leave, she would change the hand or arm holding the bag or place it on a table for a few moments. These signals were part of the royal etiquette and were well-understood by her staff.

However, despite these elaborate maneuvers, the Queen's handbag was notably free from any secret compartments or mysterious items. Contrary to popular belief, it was more of a sophisticated communication device than a repository of unidentified objects. For example, she did not carry a small clock hidden within the bag for discreet signaling. Such a gadget would be unnecessary given the handbag's other practical uses.

Securing the Common Man's Tools

Beyond the symbolic and practical aspects, there were practical considerations to her handbag. Queen Elizabeth II often had to carry items that would offer her a sense of security and utility. Some of these items included:

Makeup and Hygiene: Items such as lip balm, a compact mirror, and even a spare handkerchief. These were not just luxuries but necessities for maintaining her public appearance. Accessories: Reading glasses and perhaps a small hairbrush or comb for last-minute adjustments. Security and Practicality: A subtle but secure way to carry keys, like those to her beloved Sandringham estate or even Buckingham Palace, was effective in her daily routines.

The myth of carrying a secret item in her handbag often revolved around the idea that she might have a hidden marmalade sandwich or some other unexpected item. However, a marmalade sandwich, while delightful, was not a common inclusion in her outings. Instead, the idea of the Queen carrying a marmalade sandwich was more aligned with the whimsical Paddington Bear theme than with her actual bag contents.

The End of Paper Money

It's worth noting that the traditional method of secreting a 5 note under a hot iron, so that only the Queen's portrait remained, became impractical with the introduction of polymer banknotes. This shift occurred when the Bank of England began printing all denominations with polymer plastic in 2016, starting with the 5 note. The Queen, adhering to tradition, would have found it difficult to replicate her method with these new notes, as attempting to press them with an iron would result in a sticky mess and potential damage to the note and iron.

Despite these changes, the essence of the Queen's handbag remained unchanged. It was always more about the signals and practicalities than secret compartments or extraordinary items.

So, while the Queen's handbag was indeed a symbol of her sophisticated and traditional lifestyle, it was far from enigmatic. Its contents provided both safety and a means of communication, and nothing more.