Accessories and jewelry have long been more than mere adornments for royalty. They are symbols of power, status, and tradition, often carrying hidden meanings and serving as tools of subtle communication. Among the most intriguing examples is the use of handbags by Queen Elizabeth II, particularly her iconic Launer London bags. Far from being simple fashion statements, these bags were reportedly used to send coded signals to her staff, conveying messages without a single word. This article explores the fascinating world of royal accessories, focusing on the secret language embedded in their use, with a particular emphasis on Queen Elizabeth II’s handbags and their covert signals.

The Historical Role of Accessories in Royalty

Royal accessories have always been steeped in symbolism. From crowns and scepters to tiaras and brooches, these items are carefully chosen to reflect rank, heritage, and occasion. In medieval Europe, for instance, a monarch’s jewelry was not just decorative but a display of divine right and authority. Gemstones were believed to hold mystical properties, and specific pieces were worn to signal allegiance or commemorate significant events.

Handbags, however, emerged as a more modern accessory, gaining prominence in the 20th century. For royalty, they became both practical and symbolic. Unlike common fashion trends, royal handbags are selected with precision, often from heritage brands that align with the monarchy’s values of tradition and craftsmanship. For Queen Elizabeth II, the Launer London handbag became an extension of her public persona, understated yet powerful, and a tool for discreet communication.

Launer London: The Queen’s Signature Accessory

Queen Elizabeth II was rarely seen in public without a Launer London handbag. The British luxury brand, established in the 1940s, became synonymous with her image, with models like the Traviata and Judi being her favorites. Crafted from the finest leather, these bags were elegant, structured, and timeless—qualities that mirrored the Queen’s own demeanor. Priced between £1,500 and £2,500, Launer bags are a testament to bespoke craftsmanship, often customized with longer handles or additional pockets at the Queen’s request.

But beyond their aesthetic appeal, these handbags served a practical and secretive purpose. According to royal historians and biographers, the Queen used her Launer bags to send subtle signals to her aides during public engagements. This practice was so ingrained that her staff were trained to interpret the slightest movement of her bag, allowing her to navigate social situations with grace and control.

The Secret Code of the Queen’s Handbag

The Queen’s use of her handbag as a signaling device is one of the most captivating aspects of her reign. Two specific gestures were reportedly part of this covert communication system:

Placing the bag on the table: This action signaled that the Queen wished to end a conversation or event. Whether at a state dinner or a public appearance, placing her Launer bag on the table was a polite but firm indication that she was ready to move on. Within minutes, her staff would orchestrate a seamless conclusion to the interaction.

Switching the bag to her left hand: When the Queen transferred her handbag from her right hand to her left, it was a more urgent message: “I want to leave immediately.” This gesture was reserved for situations where she needed to exit quickly, perhaps due to discomfort, a pressing schedule, or an awkward encounter. Her aides would promptly intervene, ensuring her swift departure without drawing attention.

These signals allowed the Queen to maintain her trademark poise while exerting control over her environment. They also highlight the ingenuity of royal protocol, where even the smallest actions are imbued with meaning.

The Broader Language of Royal Accessories

The Queen’s handbag signals are part of a broader tradition of non-verbal communication within royalty. Accessories have long been used to convey messages, both overt and subtle. For example, Queen Victoria was known for her mourning jewelry, often made from jet or black enamel, which signaled her grief after Prince Albert’s death. Similarly, Princess Diana’s “revenge dress” and her choice of bold accessories were deliberate statements of independence and resilience.

Jewelry, in particular, carries a rich vocabulary. The British royal family’s collection includes pieces like the Vladimir Tiara and the Lover’s Knot Tiara, each with its own history and symbolism. Brooches, a favorite of Queen Elizabeth II, were often chosen to reflect the occasion—such as wearing a maple leaf brooch during visits to Canada or a diamond fern brooch gifted by New Zealand. These choices were never random; they were diplomatic gestures, reinforcing ties between nations or honoring shared histories.

Why Handbags? The Practicality of Subtlety

The Queen’s reliance on her handbag for signaling may seem quaint in an era of instant communication, but it was a masterstroke of practicality. Unlike verbal cues or electronic devices, a handbag is unobtrusive and universally understood within her inner circle. It allowed her to communicate without disrupting the flow of an event or drawing attention to her intentions. In a role where every word and gesture was scrutinized, this method ensured discretion.

Moreover, the handbag was a constant in her public appearances, making it an ideal tool for signaling. Whether at a garden party or a state banquet, the Launer bag was always by her side, a silent partner in her duties. Its consistency also meant that her staff could rely on these signals across different contexts, from casual walkabouts to formal ceremonies.

The Cultural Impact of the Queen’s Handbags

The Queen’s Launer handbags became a cultural phenomenon, sparking fascination among fashion enthusiasts and royal watchers alike. Launer London saw a surge in demand following the Queen’s endorsement, with the brand proudly embracing its royal connection. The bags’ classic design inspired countless imitations, and they remain a symbol of timeless elegance.

Beyond fashion, the handbag signals captured the public’s imagination as a glimpse into the Queen’s private world. Books like The Other Side of the Coin by Angela Kelly, the Queen’s dresser, and The Queen’s Handbag by Phil Dampier, delve into these anecdotes, painting a picture of a monarch who was both regal and resourceful. The idea that something as mundane as a handbag could carry such weight added a layer of intrigue to her legacy.

Accessories in the Modern Royal Family

While Queen Elizabeth II’s handbag signals were unique to her, other royals have used accessories to communicate or make statements. The Princess of Wales, Catherine, often carries clutch bags during formal events, a choice that reflects both style and protocol. Clutches, which occupy both hands, are said to help royals avoid unwanted handshakes, a subtle way to maintain boundaries in public.

Jewelry continues to play a significant role in royal messaging. For instance, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, has worn pieces with personal significance, such as necklaces bearing her children’s initials, to convey her identity as a mother. King Charles III, too, has used accessories like cufflinks and tie pins to reflect his interests in sustainability and heritage.

The Legacy of the Queen’s Secret Language

Queen Elizabeth II’s use of her Launer handbag as a signaling device is a testament to her ability to blend tradition with innovation. In a world of rigid protocol, she found a way to assert control with elegance and subtlety. Her handbags were more than accessories; they were instruments of power, enabling her to navigate the complexities of her role with unmatched finesse.

As we reflect on her reign, the story of the Launer handbag reminds us that royalty operates on multiple levels—public and private, visible and hidden. Accessories and jewelry, far from being superficial, are part of a sophisticated language that has shaped royal identity for centuries. The Queen’s secret signals may have been a small detail, but they speak volumes about her ingenuity and the enduring mystique of the monarchy.

In conclusion, the world of royal accessories is a realm of beauty, symbolism, and strategy. From the glittering tiaras of state banquets to the quiet signals of a leather handbag, these items tell stories of power, duty, and tradition. Queen Elizabeth II’s Launer London bags, with their coded messages, are a perfect example of how even the simplest accessory can carry profound significance in the hands of a monarch.