Kate Middleton Follows Queen Elizabeth's Lead Using Handbag To Send Secret Signals To Royal Team
Kate Middleton apparently learned a thing or two from Queen Elizabeth II about using accessories to deliver subtle messages to the people around them.
During her reign, Queen Elizabeth reportedly used her handbag to send secret signals to her team at royal engagements and events, according to the Mirror U.K.
Staffers reportedly could glean the mood of the late monarch, who passed away at age 96 in 2022, by observing how she carried her purse.
Royal and etiquette experts have suggested that Princess Kate uses a similar technique to convey her feelings and thoughts when in public.
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Middleton reportedly holds her handbag or clutch with both hands in front of her at events where she doesn't want to shake hands.
"When the [Kate] is at an event, she holds her bag in front of her in both hands when shaking hands might be awkward," royal etiquette expert and Beaumont Etiquette founder Myka Meier previously told Good Housekeeping.
Etiquette coach William Hanson further explained, "By holding something like her clutch bag, it is perhaps giving her an 'excuse' to not extend her hand to everyone," as quoted by Express U.K.
"She can't shake the hands of everyone she meets -- the duchess would be there all day!" Hanson added.
As for Queen Elizabeth, her handbags were part of the "little-known secret cues" she used to "politely end conversations," People reported.
Royal historian Hugo Vickers told the outlet in 2011 that the late queen would move her bag from one arm to the other to signal to her team that she was ready to move on from the conversation she was having with someone.
"It would be very worrying if you were talking to the Queen and saw the handbag move from one hand to the other," Vickers said.
"It would be done very nicely. Someone would come along and say, 'Sir, the Archbishop of Canterbury would very much like to meet you,'" the royal historian explained.
Queen Elizabeth would also place her bag on the floor or spin her wedding ring to subtly tell her handlers she wanted to escape a conversation.
Meanwhile, Middleton continues to undergo chemotherapy amid her battle with cancer.
The Princess of Wales made her first public appearance in half a year when she attended Trooping the Colour last month.
But while some royal fans thought it was a signal that she was officially returning to public duties, Middleton has not made another public appearance since then.
However, over the weekend, Middleton did take the time to send her pal, tennis legend Andy Murray, a special message via social media as he ended his Wimbledon career.
"An incredible Wimbledon career comes to an end. You should be so very proud @andymurray. On behalf of all of us, thank you!" the princess posted on Instagram Stories Saturday.
