The Queen’s personal adviser has shed some light on the monarch’s locked-out life. Angela Kelly has updated her book on service during the pandemic.
It reveals details about royal life under Covid, including how she put on and cut the monarch’s hair. The Queen has spent much of the pandemic in the safety of Windsor Castle, protected in ‘HMS Bubble’.
It was believed to be the nickname given to his small family of dedicated staff. Ms Kelly, senior dresser and personal adviser to the Queen, was part of the team who reportedly self-isolated with the head of state for periods.
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Her revised book, The Other Side Of The Coin: The Queen, The Dresser And The Wardrobe, first published in 2019, also covers the Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral, first public engagements after lockdown and prepares for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June.
Katya Shipster, publishing director of Harper Non-Fiction, said of the book, updated to mark the jubilee: “It tells the story of the royal bull as well as the efforts of Angela and the royal household to ensure the safety of the monarch.”
Ms Kelly, a bubbly and hardworking royal aide, kept the Queen’s style relevant and even added a touch of bling during nearly 30 years working for the head of state. The Queen values the opinion of her meticulous personal assistant and has gradually given her carte blanche over the years when helping her create a look for an event.
Despite the passing years, the Queen has prepared to spruce up her style under Ms Kelly as a nod to modern times. A pair of 3D glasses worn by the Queen during a film demonstration in Canada in 2010 received a touch of glamor from Ms Kelly – Swarovski crystals forming the letter Q on their sides.
Ms Kelly rarely gives interviews, but she once revealed: “We’re two typical women. We discuss clothes, make-up, jewelry.”
Her book, published May 12 by HarperCollins, reveals some of the behind-the-scenes tricks used in the monarch’s attire. She sews in extra layers of lining to cushion the impact of pearls and crystals on the queen’s back when events call for glamorous dresses.
Tiny weights are also placed in daytime hems in case of windy weather and fabrics that wrinkle or could potentially develop messy loose strands are avoided. Ms Kelly – who has the same size feet as the Queen – wears the Monarch’s new handmade shoes to ensure they are comfortable on first use.