The Queen is rarely seen in public without her handbag by her side. Indeed, along with her favourite Anello and Davide block heels, it is her steadfast sartorial signature. From Sunday church visits to official engagements, private audiences and official portraits, it is rare that Her Majesty is not accompanied by a patent top handle bag.

But despite the ubiquity of the Queen's handbag, we know very little about what she carries around with her- and the meaning behind it. Here, we take a look at what we do know...