What Does Queen Elizabeth II Carry in Her Purse?

Her majesty Queen Elizabeth II has reigned for longer than any other British monarch in history, breaking the previous record set by her great-grandmother Queen Victoria. But to many, she is an enigmatic sovereign, though she has been quoted as saying, “I have to be seen to be believed.”

In her more than 63 years on the throne, with Prince Phillip by her side, she’s achieved a number of “firsts”, including the first royal transatlantic phone call (a conversation with her parents in 1939), and the first reigning monarch of Australia and New Zealand to visit those nations. She also is the first British monarch to address a joint meeting of the United States Congress.

Among her groundbreaking achievements (the number of countries she’s visited, 173; the number of people hosted at Garden Parties, more than 1 million; the most widely-traveled Head of State) are a number of other lesser-known but equally fascinating tidbits.

Winston Churchill Called Her "a Character"

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II met Winston Churchill when she was a mere toddler, and the experience clearly left a mark on Churchill, with him referring to the then-Princess as "a character". A 50-year veteran of politics, Churchill was widely regarded as one of the greatest wartime leaders of the 20th century and was a Nobel Peace Prize recipient - so it's only natural that he was to be the first Prime Minister the newly-crowned Queen Elizabeth II and that she would develop a special fondness for him.

Fast forward through her list of 12 British Prime Minister, to #10: Tony Blair, who is the first to have been born during Her Majesty’s reign. In fact, Blair was born the same year as Her Majesty’s coronation!

About That Matching Hat and Handbag

A biography about Her Majesty has noted that Queen Elizabeth II rarely carries money with her, with the exception of a note for the church collection plate. Though it has been said that always inside her handbag is a hook and suction cup, allowing Her Majesty to easily retain her handbag at her side, discreetly under the table and not underfoot.

Much has been said about her wardrobe, always with the matching hats and handbags. Devoted to a life of service to her people, Her Majesty favors bright colors, better in which to be more easily seen, and of an appropriate weight to avoid any “wardrobe malfunctions”, and it’s been speculated that weights are sewn into her hemlines.

What is the "R"?

If you are one of the lucky individuals who have seen Her Majesty's Throne Room, we are jealous. If you’re not in that select group, there are other options! The official website of the British Monarchy offers a wealth of information on the entire royal family, royal residences, and so much more! One of these features is the Virtual Tour, which is just as good as being there in person - almost.

Many around the world, especially those not citizens of the United Kingdom, also wonder what the "R" stands for in Queen Elizabeth's formal signature, also present on the back of the throne. Some sovereign royalty adopt the Latin "Rex" or "Regina", literally translated as "monarch", or “King” or “Queen”.