Prince Philip, the Queen’s husband, is not known for mincing his words or being delicate when it comes to social niceties. However, the Duke of Edinburgh does have a subtle way of avoiding unwanted conversation. It comes in contrast to the Queen’s clever use of her handbag to send signals to her aides so she can be extricated from conversations.

Royal historian Hugo Vickers, speaking to People Magazine in 2011, revealed Prince Philip’s trick.

The Duke of Edinburgh, he said, does a sweeping motion with his hands to avoid getting stuck in lengthy chats.  

As he shakes someone’s hand, he will ask a question and, as he does so, his hand swings from left to right.

By the time his guest has answered the question, he has already moved on in the line-up, leaving them behind.

Meanwhile, the Queen moves her handbag from one hand to other to indicate to aides that she wants to moved along from a guest.

Spinning the ring on her hand is another sign that Her Majesty’s staff should move her along. 

Mr Vickers also revealed that the Queen has a secret buzzer in her audience room at Buckingham Palace to alert her staff to come in and usher her guests away. 

Prince Charles is known to end conversations on a quick joke in order to break the flow and move on. 

However, his oft-noticed habit of fiddling with his cuff-links may not be a secret signal.

According to body language expert Judi James, Charles performs these ritual “self-touches” as a sign of anxiety. 

Speaking on podcast “Pod Save the Queen”, Ms James said: “He does three or four little movements in a ritual. Charles’ grandfather did exactly the same rituals.”

She also revealed: “Harry hadn’t really got any until he met Meghan.”

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