Queen boosts handbag sales

The label, a royal warrant holder and favourite of the Queen, produces ladylike handbag styles with subtle metallic branding. The Queen chose a boxy cream calfskin handbag with top straps, designed for her two years ago.

(We’re all for supporting British brands and all, but can we just take a moment to question why the monarch needed to carry a handbag at all? What did she have in there—tissues? Breath mints? Extra lipstick? Anything her assistant couldn’t carry discreetly a few steps back? Okay. Done.)

Launer says that the Duchess of Cornwall, Baroness Thatcher and Dame Judi Dench also carry their bags. The Royal endorsement, however, seems to have attracted interest from a younger demographic. The brand says that 20% of the sales rise has come from 35-50 year-olds (they know this because the website registration form requests birth date details).

What do you say—could you see yourself you emulating the Queen’s handbag choice?