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A
Straight Dope Classic from Cecil's storehouse of human knowledge17-Jun-1988
Dear Cecil:
Why does Queen Elizabeth carry a purse, and what could she
possibly have in it? I took an informal poll at work and got these
results:
3 people said she carried carfare.
2 people said she carried identification.
5 people said she carried makeup.
1 person said she carried nothing at all; it was like a
security blanket. I hope you can help. --Jimmy Perez, Santa
Barbara, California
Dear Jimmy:
Maybe I never told you this, but years ago Elizabeth and
I used to double date (she loved Roller Derby). The subject of
purses, unfortunately, never came up. Now, of course, she won't
give me the time of day, the snob. No problem, sez I, I'll just
call up the embassy in D.C., the better to save on the
transatlantic tolls. You've heard about the fabled British sense of
humor? It's a fraud. Total noncooperation. Look, bub, I tell this
sniffy lackey, here in America we believe in freedom of
information. But still no dice.
Diplomatic channels having proved unavailing, I call up
Buckingham Palace (no small achievement in an era when all the
phone companies hate each other). The queen continues to stonewall.
A press aide tells me (and believe me, how these people can breathe
with their noses at that angle I'll never know) that she carries
items "of a personal nature," but not money. Pressed further, she
said you'd find what you'd expect to find in a woman's purse. This
being the 90s, I blanch to think what I'd expect to find in a
woman's purse. Let's give her the benefit of the doubt and assume
it's puppy biscuits for the corgis.
MORE ON THE ROYAL BAG ... UH, PURSE
As anyone who reads Majesty magazine knows, the Queen carries
a comb, a handkerchief, a small gold compact, and a tube of
lipstick in her handbag. However, you were somewhat misled by
Buckingham Palace. The Queen does carry money on Sundays--a folded
note of unknown denomination which she discreetly places in the
collection plate.
Mr. Perez was also partially correct: Her Majesty does use her
handbag as a security blanket. She carries it with her throughout
the day as she moves from one room of the palace to another. She is
rarely photographed without a handbag. All tables and her desk at
Buckingham Palace and other royal residences are equipped with
special hooks on which the Queen may hang her ubiquitous handbag.
Finally, the Queen never uses a shoulderbag or clutchbag as these
make shaking hands and accepting flowers awkward.
I could go on to discuss the Queen's hats, but perhaps that
would be a bit much. --Elizabeth Giangrego, Chicago
--CECIL ADAMS
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