Queen's chic accessory at Windsor Castle luxury goods viewing baffles royal fans

Royal fans have been left delighted to see the Queen looking 'radiant' at her latest engagement, but there's one detail that's left a few scratching their heads. 

• The Queen stepped out for a private viewing of archive items from British luxury goods brand, Halycon Days, at Windsor Castle on Thursday. 
• Despite appearing smiling and 'mobile' throughout the event, the Queen's fans have been left baffled by a particular detail on her outfit. 
• In other royal news, the heartbreaking reason Prince William wouldn't marry Kate Middleton for years has been revealed.
  

The Queen made an exciting public appearance at Windsor Castle on Thursday, for her first in-person group event in nearly two months. 

Her Majesty looked the picture of happiness as she viewed a range of luxury pieces by British craftwork firm Halcyon Days, a longstanding favourite brand of the Royal Family. The viewing, which was originally planned for 2020 but postponed due to the pandemic, comes just a few months before the Queen's Platinum Jubilee nationwide celebrations take place this summer. 

Dressed in a floral gown and pearls, the 95-year-old beamed brightly while she browsed an impressive display of hand-decorated teapots and antique enamelled trinket boxes dating back to the 1950s. She was also treated to a demonstration of traditional enamelling and gilding by hand, courtesy of the company's talented master artists. 

Some of the items inspected by the Queen included a rectangular trinket box edged in lavender with three color portraits of the Queen Mother and a small oval Windsor Castle trinket box adorned with a painting of her beloved Berkshire home. 

She also saw the Halcyon Days' Silver Jubilee box of 1977, which depicts the State Coach returning to Buckingham Palace after the Queen's Coronation in 1953, as well dark-blue pieces designed in honor of her Platinum Jubilee. 

The royal matriarch's engagement was warmly received by fans online, with many taking to Twitter to share their delight at her healthy appearance. 

The Queen’s desperation to avoid ‘being seen in a wheelchair’ at Prince Philip’s memorial service was revealed earlier this week, sparking speculation that the monarch was struggling with her mobility. These latest photos seem to have reassured royal fans that the Queen, who had Covid last month, is stronger than we've been led to believe. 

"Her Majesty looks absolutely radiant," one person wrote. 

"Very nice to see... she's taking it easy at 95 but still enjoying a few lovely visits... she's looking well and happy," another fan commented. 

However, there was one small detail that seemed to baffle some royal followers. 

"Why is she holding a handbag in her own house? Tradition?" one person asked. 

Royal expert, Omid Scobie, was quick to answer the confused fan's query, explaining, "When you live in a literal castle, it’s probably a good idea to keep some things on you at all times." 

It's also been reported that the Queen carries a handbag to send subtle signals to her staff at public engagements. 

According to royal historian Hugo Vickers, Her Majesty moves her purse from one hand to the other to indicate that she is ready to end the conversation. If she places the bag on a table, that means she's ready to exit the event in the next five minutes. Finally, moving the handbag to the floor symbolizes she's dissatisfied with the conversation—and wants an escape route pronto.