LONDON: Britain's longest-serving monarch Queen Elizabeth died on Thursday at the age of 96 at Balmoral Castle after reigning for 70 years. Many of her mannerisms must also be remembered at the time of her death. One of them is her handbag. She always carried a small purse in her hand wherever she goes. Reports said she used her purse to send secret messages to her staff.

According to historian Hugo Vickers, the Queen uses her handbag to pass messages to her security guards. For example, if the Queen is attending a ceremony and moving her bag from one hand to the next, it sends a message that she wants to leave, or that she will soon end her meeting with guests. The Queen assigns these codes to convey messages to officials without disturbing famous figures including heads of state from around the world who visit her.

If the bag is placed on the table instead of being passed from one hand to the other, the message is that the Queen wishes to end the event and return in the next five minutes. If the bag is placed on the floor instead of being placed on the table or taken from the hand, the queen is sending a message that she should be immediately taken from the place from where she is standing. A security guard will be assigned to monitor the movements of the Queen's handbag. It is also reported that along with the bag, the queen used to send secret message to her entourage by turning her ring.

Queens generally don't like to shake hands, hug or pose for selfies with guests. There have been reports that Kate Middleton is holding her bag in front of her with both hands to avoid shaking hands with the guests.