Queen Elizabeth II‘s dress designer Angela Kelly has made some interesting revelations regarding her life as Queen’s foremost advisor, curator, and wardrobe designer. In her book titled, “The Other Side of the Coin: The Queen, the Dresser, and the Wardrobe” Kelly gave a behind-the-scenes view of life in the royal palace.
Kelly began her post in 1994 as the monarch’s senior dresser, before becoming Her Majesty’s advisor, curator, wardrobe and in-house designer.
It has been an absolute joy to work on the serialisation of Angela Kelly's new book: the first extracts are published at @hellomag tonight ahead of our world exclusive coverage in the issue on sale tomorrow! #angelakelly https://t.co/JCnjlbChlL
— Emily Nash (@emynash) October 27, 2019
“Sharing never-before-seen photographs — many from Angela’s own private collection — and charming anecdotes of their time spent together, this revealing book provides memorable insights into what it’s like to work closely with The Queen, to curate her wardrobe and to discover a true and lasting connection along the way,” the book’s synopsis reads.
Royal Protocols
Kelly has remarked that life is not as strict in the palace as perceived and that there is not much pressure to adhere to the royal code of conduct.
In her book, she referred to the controversy caused by former USA’s First Lady Michelle Obama when she wrapped arms around Queen. Even though Queen reciprocated the gesture it was perceived as a violation of royal code by behaviour experts.
However, Kelly writes: “In reality, it was an instinct for the Queen to show affection and respect for another great woman, and there is no protocol that must be adhered to.”
Read more: Queen Elizabeth turned into a Pirate in Iran exhibition
“When fondness is felt or the host of a State Visit goes to guide Her Majesty up some steps, it truly is about human kindness, and this is something the Queen will always welcome warmly,” she adds.
Another interesting confession made by Kelly is that Queen Elizabeth II prefers to makeup on her own. She gets her makeup done by a professional only for a televised Christmas speech.
Five royal secrets revealed by the Queen’s dresser Angela Kelly https://t.co/ZTIBeJN0Rg
— BBC News (UK) (@BBCNews) October 28, 2019
“The only other thing left for me to do is to arrange for the makeup artist, Marilyn Widdess, to be there on the day of filming. You might be surprised to know that this is the only occasion throughout the year when Her Majesty does not do her makeup,” Kelly says.
Kelly, however, made a bizarre confession of fighting male-dominance and patriarchal mindset while settling in the palace and carrying out assigned tasks.
Read more: Queen Elizabeth might step down from Throne due to incurable health issues
“As I began to settle into life in the Palace, I knew it was important to start standing my ground and fighting my corner,” Kelly writes.”When I was asked to do something, I did it efficiently and thoroughly, but I soon became aware that I was also ruffling feathers.
“Back then, the Royal Household was very male-dominated. It had long been a place where traditions were upheld and routines were followed. On one occasion, I remember being told that only after twelve years as a staff member would I be allowed to have an opinion.”
Prince Philips Gave Queen Elizabeth Fashion Advice
She recounted an incident when Queen Elizabeth refused to wear a red hat selected for the dress she was to don for the closing ceremony of Commonwealth Games in Malaysia in 1998.
The writer said she was not convinced to wear the hat unless Prince Philip agreed.
The Queen's personal adviser Angela Kelly reveals Her Majesty’s Ascot outfits are ‘locked away’ and ‘decoys’ are used because so many people BET on the colour of her ensembleshttps://t.co/V5tavph8FR
— Mail+ (@DailyMailUK) October 27, 2019
“Before long, Her Majesty called me back. She had consulted His Royal Highness and, after an amusing conversation, in which I imagine The Duke didn’t hold back, The Queen had decided to wear the hat the wrong way around, as I had suggested,” Kelly says.