The Queen’s Handbag: A Symbol of Tradition and Elegance

In a scene that was nothing short of extraordinary, the small black bag sitting on the front row of the catwalk at London Fashion Week caught everyone's attention.

It was discreet, dignified, and undeniably regal, much like its owner.

The bag belonged to none other than Her Majesty, the one-year-old monarch, who was seated next to U.S. Vogue's Anna Wintour.

As models strutted down the runway in psychedelic prints and motorcycle helmets, the Queen's trusty handbag remained a constant companion.

For over 60 years, the Queen has carried versions of this same bag, all made by Loner, a 77-year-old British company based in Walsall, West Midlands.

The Royal Handbag, as it is known, has become an integral part of her trademark look, alongside her pastel-hued coats and pearl earrings.

The Traviata style, priced at £1,850 and made from calf leather with a black patent finish, is her favorite and has become the brand's bestseller, thanks to the repeated endorsement from the Queen.

This royal seal of approval has led to a staggering 400 percent increase in sales for Loner over the past four years, with significant demand coming from China and Japan.

According to CEO Gerald Bodmer, the Queen feels incomplete without her handbag.

He explains that if Her Majesty doesn't like the bag they've made for her, she simply won't wear it.

She knows exactly what she wants.

So, what is it that the Queen looks for in a handbag, and why does she remain so loyal to this seemingly plain style?

The secret to Loner's success lies in its heritage.

Founded in 1941 by Sam Loner, a Jewish refugee from Prague, the company quickly gained a reputation for its exquisite craftsmanship.

Herod's, a prestigious department store, began stocking Loner bags, and the company also produced leather goods for renowned design houses like Gucci.

The Queen Mother purchased her first Loner bag in the 1950s and gave one to her daughter, who found them to be the perfect size to carry during public appearances.

In 1968, the Queen bestowed the Royal warrant upon the company, solidifying their connection with the British monarchy.

However, despite this support, Loner's fortunes started to decline as it failed to attract new customers with its traditional designs.

In 1981, Gerald Bodmer, a former classical clarinetist turned leather salesman, bought Loner and saved it from collapse.

Dressed in a Savile Row suit, armed with his charm and a smart documents case, Gerald set out to win over a new clientele.

One of his most notable customers was Baroness Thatcher, who carried a black Loner bag when she arrived at No.

10 Downing Street in 1979.

She favored the Bellini style priced at £1,450, or for more formal occasions, the £1,550 Adagio.

In gratitude for her loyal custom, the brand even named a bag after her, called the Maggie.

It was during the Falklands War that the term “handbagging” entered the lexicon, thanks to a cartoon depicting Baroness Thatcher wielding her Loner bag against Argentina.

Gerald sent her the cartoon along with a new handbag, which she gratefully accepted.

Similar to Baroness Thatcher, the Queen is known for her frugality.

She owns around 30 or 40 Loner bags, some of which date back several decades and even belonged to her mother.

She appreciates their practicality, simple yet elegant designs in classic colors, solid frames, and easy-access clasps.

Only 30 handbags are produced each month in Loner's small factory, where 15 employees from Albanian Lex meticulously craft each bag by hand.

The process, which includes hand-cutting the leather and affixing the twisted rope logo, takes up to eight hours per bag.

The bags' durability is attributed to their turn edges, a technique that involves molding the ends of the leather so they are attached on the inside of the bag.

Each of the Queen's handbags is bespoke, tailored to her specific requirements in collaboration with Angela Kelly, Her Majesty's right-hand woman and dresser.

Gerald explains that they typically start with an existing bag and personalize it based on Angela's knowledge of the Queen's preferences or upcoming engagements.

The Palace often requests longer straps, silk linings, lighter suede alternatives, or smaller proportions to suit the Queen's petite frame.

She prefers a slightly longer handle to prevent it from getting entangled in her clothes while greeting people.

Shoulder straps, zips, and partitions are not favored.

A frame is used in the middle of the bag to allow the Queen to reach deep inside, and the strap is designed for easy access to the lock and contents.

Among the Queen's collection are the Susanna Clutch (£580), worn to a state banquet in Paris in 2014, the Lydia (£1,020), worn to a service in 2016, the aptly named Royale (£1,650), and the Lululemon cream (£740).

One of Loner's greatest achievements was when the Queen chose to carry the Lisa bag (£930) to Prince William and Kate's wedding in 2011.

Launer, discreet as ever when it comes to discussing its most prestigious customer, describes her as “a very nice lady.”

However, it is not solely the Queen's patronage that keeps the company thriving.

In recent years, Loner has experienced a surge in sales, particularly in Asia, Russia, and Australia.

The resurgence of vintage fashion and the brand's popularity among A-list celebrities like Dame Maggie Smith and Cameron Diaz have also contributed to its success.

Loner's designers have even ventured into making bags in vibrant colors and launching a cross-body range, perhaps hoping to catch the attention of royal bride-to-be Meghan Markle, who has shown a fondness for this style.

After six decades of carrying this iconic accessory by her side, the Queen's handbag has become more than just a fashion statement.

It is a symbol of tradition, dependability, and elegance.

Constantly by her side, the bag speaks volumes about Her Majesty's character, even if she would never openly admit it.

What Does the Queen Keep in Her Bag?

Queen Elizabeth II is one of the most recognizable figures in the world, and whenever she appears in public, she is never without her iconic handbag.

Made by royal warrant holders Launer, the bespoke calfskin bag is always seen resting in the crook of her left arm.

The Queen owns around 200 of these handbags, each one costing up to $2,346.

Over the years, the mystique surrounding the Queen's bag has grown, particularly after it was revealed that she uses it to send coded messages to her staff.

Placing the bag on the table indicates she wants to wrap things up in the next five minutes, while placing it on the floor signals her lady-in-waiting to come to her aid.

But what exactly does the bag contain?

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