The Queen and her handbag

from w
We rarely see elderly women wearing block colour coat-dresses with buttons that never do up, hats that are not for warmth or to keep off the glaring sun, gloves, and carrying a shiny handbag these days. Our Australian women have a bit more informality. So what's in the Queen's handbag when she doesn't seem to need extra cash or a credit card? I am sorry that her 'look' is so old-fashioned because she could spruce up a treat with interesting skirts and tops and a mirror-work bag from India. And gloves are only for the deepest cold of winter surely! Also, she's hardly 'Commonwealth' in look. Okay, that's my whinge for today. She's in Australia and there are trips here and there for the Queen as well as the Chogm meet in Perth.

I found this article on-line which explains a few things.

Secrets of the Queen's handbag revealed in new book
10 OCTOBER 2007

She's rarely seen without an elegant handbag on her arm, but the question of what the Queen keeps inside it has long remained a mystery. Now a new book claims to shed light on the contents of the royal matriarch's main accessory. It also gives a fascinating insight into the routines and habits of her everyday life, including what she has for breakfast and the care arrangements for her beloved corgis.

What's In The Queen's Handbag: And Other Royal Secrets reveals that though the 81-year-old monarch doesn't carry cash, keys or a passport - since she doesn't own one - her bag is far from empty. Inside are a collection of good luck charms given to her by her children, including miniature dogs, horses and saddles, plus family snaps. The most treasured of which is a photo of Prince Andrew on his safe return from the Falklands in 1982.

Also inside the tote is a make-up case, given to her by Prince Philip as a wedding gift 60 years ago. It also houses an s-shaped metal meat hook which she places on the edge of the dinner table, from which to suspends her handbag, keeping it off the floor.

Other secrets shared in the book include the canny sign language she uses to communicate with her staff. If she places her handbag on the table at a dinner it signifies she wishes the event to finish in the next five minutes, whereas its presence on the floor indicates she feels the conversation leaves a little to be desired and she wants to be rescued by a lady-in-waiting.
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Now the Queen did look nice in bright pink for her day in Melbourne - a lovely colour and a good way to catch attention. I wonder though about the tram ride. She is an elderly lady, so what if she had slipped in climbing up and down. Buses have ramps for elderly people, but do trams?