Posted In Queen Elizabeth on February 4th, 2010
Ever wonder where Queen Elizabeth II of Britain gets her handbags? After seeing a recent picture of her next to one from the Reagan-era and noticing she had practically the same bag in both, we decided to do a little research. We are, after all, nothing if not service-y here.
As it turns out, there’s a reason that they all look sort of alike. Launer, a staid and historic English luxury goods company, owns the exclusive license to manufacture handbags for the queen. Most cost in excess of $1,000 and many are custom made according to her desires, but they’re almost all boxy, simple black calfskin. She seems to most prefer a small satchel style, many of them similar to the much-loved Hermes Kelly (although I’m sure that it wouldn’t be proper for an English queen to carry a French handbag).
Bag Queen Elizabeth II’s Style via Launer.com!
The bag is much more than just a bag, however. Not only is she a woman after our own hearts by babying her purses (all tables and desks at all of her residences have purse hooks and she keeps her bag with her as she moves about her homes), but she uses them as a means of communication to those around her. If she switches arms, her servants know that she’s ready to leave. If she sits the bag on the floor, she finds the conversation boring. And just because the bags are small doesn’t mean she doesn’t have anything in them – she always has mints, treats for her corgis, a makeup compact, a handkerchief, and a few crossword puzzles, among other things. Oh, and of course, a removable purse hook for when she’s at a function that does nor provide one.
5 Responses to Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II carries custom-made Launer handbags
Mrs. T, thebaghagdiaries.com
February 4th, 2010 at 10:11 am
Great post!!! I liked it :)
19yearslater
February 4th, 2010 at 12:07 pm
Wow! I have wondered, actually. These handbags are quintessential to the queen. For her book-themed party the video the Harry Potter kids made was about a huge catastrophe- the Queen losing her handbag. Hee,hee. This is a fun bit of information.
Beth
February 4th, 2010 at 2:20 pm
What a great post! I love the Queen and I have wondered about her bags in the past. It would be fun if she mixed it up occasionally and chose a colour, but like many women she opts for black. Now I want to know what’s inside!
Tina
February 8th, 2010 at 3:35 pm
Thank you so much for this great post! She is the original bag lady and has so much style and grace. Loved it!
Loquita
February 8th, 2010 at 4:31 pm
Fantastic post! I would like to see more of these – very interesting, and it just proves how central a handbag can be to someone’s personality and individual style of communication. Thanks!