Queen Elizabeth is the most well-travelled monarch in British history so it makes sense that she and her entourage have fine-tuned the art of packing for her trips.
The Express reports that one item in particular that she never travels without is really rather surprising.
Queen Elizabeth, 92, has travelled extensively since ascending to the throne in 1952. Since then, she has visited over 130 countries during her reign, promoting good relations between Heads of States and world leaders. She has visited countries such as Canada and Australia a number of times, whereas some such as Cuba and Argentina, she has never visited.
During her reign, a number of travel secrets have been revealed about her, such as what items she always packs and what suitcase she uses. One bizarre inclusion in the royal packing is a personal pack of blood.
The health of the monarch is of course of primordial importance and if the Queen is visiting a country where a reliable blood supply is questionable then a pack of her own blood will be included, always following in their convoy.
This is in case a blood transfusion should be necessary without Queen Elizabeth’s health being jeopardised. Emergencies will be responded to right away as the Queen’s doctor is always nearby when she travels.
The medical practitioner is a Royal Navy doctor and the Telegraph reports that he will always be carrying a bulky medical bag containing a mobile defibrillator and emergency medicine. The doctor will also have carefully researched where the nearest hospital is to the monarch at all times. According to the Telegraph, Prince Charles, 69, also travels with his own personal pack of blood.
This is not the only intriguing object that the Queen has to hand when she travels.
Phil Dampier, a journalist who has been writing about the royal family for over 30 years, revealed the Queen often takes a camera with her. He revealed this unknown secret in his book What’s in the Queen’s Handbag and other Royal Secrets.
She has previously been spotted taking a number of photographs, especially when younger and on a number of state visits. The camera is put in her handbag, and is said to be used “to take pictures of visiting presidents and other VIPs.” The first camera she was ever given was a Box Brownie by her father before the war.
Remarkably, the Queen isn’t a fan of selfies, with a royal insider revealing she missed “eye contact” that was lost thanks to mobile phones.
What else does the Queen carry in her handbag?
From a portable hook to a crisp £5 note, her bag has a number of items she makes sure to pack every day.
Her classic handbags are something she is always spotted with no matter the occasion.
(Story source: The Express)
