What Queen Elizabeth’s handbag says about George Brandis

Photograph of George Brandis’ first meeting with the Queen contains a secret code that shows what she really thinks of him.

The Queen’s handbag signals important messages to her lady-in-waiting during her meeting with George Brandis. Picture: AP.

An apparently bland photograph of George Brandis’ first official meeting with the Queen contains a secret code which shows what Elizabeth II really thinks of Australia’s new High Commissioner to the UK.

The position of the Queen’s trademark Launer handbag in the Audience Room signals to her lady-in-waiting whether she is comfortable with the meeting or wants to be rescued immediately.

Luckily for Mr Brandis — and perhaps for Australia’s strong relationship with the monarchy — the all important bag is placed on a chair, meaning the Queen is happy to be left talking to him.

If it was placed on the floor it would be all over for the meeting, as the Queen would be secretly pleading for an immediate rescue from the new Aussie envoy.

If the bag was on the table, alongside family photographs (about which more in a minute), she would be giving Mr Brandis just five minutes before having the meeting cut short.

Fortunately, the bag stayed on the chair and Mr Brandis was formally welcomed to the UK after taking up his post in London, replacing Alexander Downer earlier this month.

If he was unaware of the handbag and its role in his meeting it’s also unlikely Mr Brandis, dressed in a morning suit, noticed another important signal.

Just to his left, in a prominent position on a side table is a never before seen photograph of the newly married Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

The photograph of Harry and Meghan is in pride of place on a side table in the Audience Room as Queen Elizabeth II talks with George Brandis. Picture: AP.

The photograph of Prince Harry, in a blue suit, and Meghan, in a tight dress, standing close together, has taken pride of place on the table next to the fireplace, replacing a military photograph of Princess Anne and her husband Timothy Laurence.

It was situated just out of Mr Brandis’ line of sight during the meeting. There are several other family photographs dotted around the room, including Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge, and her great grandchildren but the Queen has a soft spot for Prince Harry and by putting the photograph in such a prominent position she has illustrated her strong support for his new wife Meghan.

The picture has never been released to the public and it is unknown when or where it was taken. But keen observers of royal photographs point out that it has been in position since the Queen met the New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern during the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting last month — the last time this room was photographed.

The official photograph of Mr Brandis meeting the Queen also highlights her reputation for thrift. In the priceless fireplace, and sitting underneath some 18th century porcelain pheasants and a white marble clock — valued at over A$60,000 — is a two bar heater priced at around $50.