<\/p>\n
If you\u2019ve ever watched a royal walkabout or palace event, you\u2019ve probably noticed one accessory that\u2019s almost always there: the purse.<\/p>\n
From Queen Elizabeth II\u2019s signature top\u2011handle handbag<\/a> to Princess Kate\u2019s ever\u2011present clutch, royal women rarely step out without one, even when they don\u2019t appear to need anything at all. And while it may seem like a fashion choice, according to the BBC, the purse serves a much bigger purpose<\/a>.<\/p>\n More: <\/strong>King Charles’ visit: Live updates as royals land in US to kick off trip<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n 1<\/span> of 6<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n Britain’s King Charles III and Queen Camilla arrive at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, on April 27, 2026. K<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n One of the most enduring royal handbag traditions dates back to Queen Elizabeth II, who reportedly used her purse as a discreet way to signal staff<\/a> during public engagements.<\/p>\n Royal watchers have said simple movements carried clear messages:<\/a> Switching the handbag from one arm to the other signaled that a conversation should wrap up; placing it on a table meant she was ready to leave within minutes; setting it on the floor indicated she needed help exiting an interaction.<\/p>\n That quiet system helped keep appearances moving smoothly and it\u2019s a tradition that continues today. Princess Kate<\/a> has been widely reported to use her clutch in similar ways, allowing aides to manage crowd interactions without awkward verbal cues.<\/p>\n Royal engagements can involve hundreds of greetings in a single appearance, something etiquette experts say simply isn\u2019t realistic.<\/p>\n Holding a clutch with one or both hands provides a polite, socially acceptable reason not to shake every hand within reach. Princess Kate is often seen holding her purse with both hands<\/a> at crowded events, subtly signaling that she isn\u2019t engaging in handshakes at that moment.<\/p>\nA royal first: King Charles and Queen Camilla visit the US<\/h2>\n
A silent communication tool<\/h2>\n
A graceful way to avoid endless handshakes<\/h2>\n