Her Majesty, 95, is never without her little black handbag which, as Royal fans will know, can act as a form of silent communication to her ladies-in-waiting. Even eagle-eyed fans have never seen all of the bag’s contents, however, Phil Dampier, author of What’s In The Queen’s Handbag: And Other Royal Secrets, has laid bare what the monarch keeps hidden away.

Mr Dampier told HELLO! in 2016 she carries “a penknife” – not for defence – but rather as a “throwback to her days as a girl guide”.

She also reportedly carries “a crossword cut from a newspaper by a servant in case she has time to kill” as well as a few treats for her corgis.

Mr Dampier also revealed the 95-year-old likes to carry a diary and a camera “to take pictures of visiting presidents and other VIPs”.

The Queen’s preferred bag brand – Launer – has remained unchanged for over five decades and has a Royal Warrant.

The British company also provides bags to the Duchess of Cornwall and the Prince of Wales.

On their website, Launer discusses the importance of their Royal Warrant appointment.

It says: “The Warrant is a sign of excellence, quality and patronage which Launer has enjoyed for more than fifty years.

“It is highly treasured and awarded by Her Majesty The Queen, whom Launer has supplied with handbags and small leather goods since 1968.

READ MORE: The significance of the Queen’s handbag

He added anyone wanting to get in touch already “knows how to contact her!”

Another item in the handbag holds a special place for the Queen.

Mr Dampier explained “​​One of her most personal and prized possessions in the bag is a small metal make-up case,” Prince Philip gave her as a wedding gift nearly 70 years ago.