Queen Elizabeth II had an impressive handbag collection, but her affinity for the accessory went beyond simple fashion – helping her deliver subtle yet cutting messages

Never complain, never explain’ was the late Queen Elizabeth II’s lifelong mantra – but she did find subtle ways to make her disapproval known.

The monarch, who died in September 2022 at the age of 96, was an expert in giving careful signals to her team, who of course had to develop a very particular method of communication with her. Those who’d only just had the pleasure of meeting her would have been blissfully aware of Her Majesty’s distaste, seeing nothing before them but grace and politeness.

For those well versed in Queen Elizabeth’s language of royal gestures, however, the slightest movement could prompt them to take immediate action, all while visiting guests smiled and fawned obliviously.

Queen Elizabeth had a huge handbag collection, with her classic Launer purses being a particular favorite. As well as finishing off her classic, immaculately put-together look Queen Elizabeth wielded her signature bags to great effect, using them to let those around her know exactly how she felt a conversation was going.

As reported by British Heritage Travel, royal historian Hugo Vickers revealed that, if the Queen shifted her bag from one hand to the other, this showed that she was ready for her current conversation to end. No doubt a crushing blow for those who cottoned on. If she placed her bag on the table, then this meant she was ready to exit an event within the next five minutes.

As a woman who was reportedly rather shy by nature, no doubt the endless conversations she had over the years could feel quite wearisome at times, leaving her longing for solitude with her beloved corgis. And of course, like all of us, Her Majesty would have undoubtedly encountered a few awkward encounters in her time. Indeed, if the Queen was seen beginning to twice her Welsh gold wedding ring, her ladies-in-waiting knew that immediate action was required – with this gesture showing she wanted to end a conversation sharpish.

Although it’s unclear whether or not other Royals have their own personal codes, reports have suggested that Catherine, the Princess of Wales, aka Kate Middleton has followed her late grandmother-in-law’s lead when it comes to letting her handbag do the talking.

Princess Kate reportedly dodges uncomfortable handshakes by attending events with a clutch bag, which she holds with both hands. Myka Meier, Royal expert and founder of Beaumont Etiquette, told Good Housekeeping: “When the duchess is at an event, she holds her bag in front of her in both hands when shaking hands might be awkward.”

Delving into the practicalities behind this supposed trick back in 2019, etiquette coach William Hanson told the Daily Express: “By holding something like her clutch bag, it is perhaps giving her an ‘excuse’ to not extend her hand to everyone. She can’t shake the hands of everyone she meets – the duchess [now princess] would be there all day!”