The Queen's extensive wardrobe was masterminded for almost three decades by Angela Kelly, the woman whose job title varies from dresser to stylist to personal advisor to curator to designer. It's been all of the above, and much more besides, considering how much time she spent by her side. (Kelly lives on the grounds of Windsor Castle - and, in 2012, was named a Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order, a recognition that is bestowed for extraordinary, important or personal services to the sovereign.)
The Queen made an appearance, of course, at London Fashion Week, where she was the guest of honour to present the Queen Elizabeth II Award for Design. She was sat between Caroline Rush, CEO of the British Fashion Council, and Anna Wintour. But on the editor-in-chief's left was Kelly, who actually introduced the Queen. 'Your Majesty, I know you do not wish to be known as a fashion icon, but from all of us in this room, we have the utmost respect for you and also for your hard work and diligence,' she said.
Kelly created has numerous outfits for the monarch (including the duck egg blue suit that she wore to LFW) and even re-fashioned the family christening gown when the original became too delicate to use. She's also written two authorised books about her working relationship with the Queen. The first was called Dressing the Queen: The Jubilee Wardrobe, which was published in 2012, and the second was her memoir, The Other Side of the Coin: The Queen, the Dresser and the Wardrobe. The memoir, which was written with permission from the Queen - an unusual turn of events for a current member of the household - was published a few years ago in 2019, giving readers a fascinating insight into how her clothes made her 'the most readily identifiable person on the planet'. It also, of course, offered up some choice morsels about the late monarch's preferences when it came to her wardrobe.
Angela Kelly Created Hat Decoys To Stop Staff Betting On What Colour The Queen Would Wear To Royal Ascot
'They are different colors and styles and are on display for a reason. Anyone who happens to pass the room will see those hats. They are not hidden behind a closed door and no secret is made of them. This will stop anyone catching sight of the hat Her Majesty actually intends to wear, and, with inside knowledge, betting a vast amount of money on the correct color of the Queen's hat for opening day of Royal Ascot.' - Insider
Angela Kelly Wore In The Queen's Shoes
'As has been reported a lot in the press, a flunky wears in Her Majesty's shoes to ensure that they are comfortable and that she is always good to go. And yes, I am that flunky.' - Town & Country
She Was Also Responsible For Cutting Her Hair During Lockdown
'From March 2020 onwards I washed The Queen's hair every week, set and styled it, and even trimmed it when needed. My team named it Kelly's Salon. The Queen knew I was nervous, and during the first two weeks I was shaking. I had only done her hair once or twice before while on board the Royal Yacht Britannia. The Queen was so kind as she advised me on the very specific way to put the rollers in. As I grew in confidence I'm sure The Queen thought I was a professional and started shouting at me, 'Don't do that, do it this way. That's right, you've got it, don't change it.' I was thinking, goodness me, I need a gin and tonic.' - HELLO! Magazine
Angela Kelly And Prince Philip Once Convinced The Queen To Wear Her Hat Backwards
'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.' - Insider