What do you think?
Rate this book
The Other Side of the Coin: The Queen, the Dresser and the Wardrobe – An Intimate Biography by Her Majesty's Personal Advisor with Never-Before-Seen Photographs
THE OFFICIAL BOOK, FULLY ENDORSED BY QUEEN ELIZABETH II
From Her Majesty’s trusted confidant and Dresser Angela Kelly LVO comes a lavishly designed book of never-before-seen photos of The Queen, Her wardrobe and Her jewels and features intimate anecdotes from Angela’s 25-year career working closely with Her Majesty. A truly unique keepsake and collectors’ item to be treasured.
‘For the nearly seven decades of her reign, Her Majesty The Queen has used clothing to create a powerful visual identity that transcends fashion and has made her perhaps the most readily identifiable person on the planet. Angela Kelly, building on the work of the great designers and milliners who have worked with Her Majesty through the years – including couturiers Sir Norman Hartnell, Sir Hardy Amies, and Ian Thomas, and milliners such as Simone Mirman and Freddy Fox – brings her own imagination to bear on an iconic ‘uniform’ that suggests continuity and tradition, and ensures that the wearer is always the most visible person in a room or a crowd.’–Anna Wintour, Vogue
When Angela Kelly and The Queen are together, laughter echoes through the corridors of Buckingham Palace. Angela has worked with The Queen and walked the corridors of the Royal Household for twenty-five years, initially as Her Majesty’s Senior Dresser and then latterly as Her Majesty’s Personal Advisor, Curator, Wardrobe and In-house Designer. As the first person in history to hold this title, she shares a uniquely close working relationship with The Queen.
In The Other Side of the Coin, The Queen has personally given Angela her blessing to share their extraordinary bond with the world. Whether it’s preparing for a formal occasion or brightening Her Majesty’s day with a playful joke, Angela’s priority is to serve and support. 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 documents the unique working relationship between Her Majesty The Queen and the woman who has been her Personal Assistant and Senior Dresser for more than two Angela Kelly. It gives a rare insight into the demands of the job of supporting the Monarch, and we gain privileged insight into a successful working relationship, characterized by humor, creativity, hard work, and a mutual commitment to service and duty. Angela is a talented and inspiring woman, who has captured the highlights of her long career with The Queen for us all to share.’ –Samantha Cohen, Assistant Private Secretary to The Queen (2011–2018)
From Her Majesty’s trusted confidant and Dresser Angela Kelly LVO comes a lavishly designed book of never-before-seen photos of The Queen, Her wardrobe and Her jewels and features intimate anecdotes from Angela’s 25-year career working closely with Her Majesty. A truly unique keepsake and collectors’ item to be treasured.
‘For the nearly seven decades of her reign, Her Majesty The Queen has used clothing to create a powerful visual identity that transcends fashion and has made her perhaps the most readily identifiable person on the planet. Angela Kelly, building on the work of the great designers and milliners who have worked with Her Majesty through the years – including couturiers Sir Norman Hartnell, Sir Hardy Amies, and Ian Thomas, and milliners such as Simone Mirman and Freddy Fox – brings her own imagination to bear on an iconic ‘uniform’ that suggests continuity and tradition, and ensures that the wearer is always the most visible person in a room or a crowd.’–Anna Wintour, Vogue
When Angela Kelly and The Queen are together, laughter echoes through the corridors of Buckingham Palace. Angela has worked with The Queen and walked the corridors of the Royal Household for twenty-five years, initially as Her Majesty’s Senior Dresser and then latterly as Her Majesty’s Personal Advisor, Curator, Wardrobe and In-house Designer. As the first person in history to hold this title, she shares a uniquely close working relationship with The Queen.
In The Other Side of the Coin, The Queen has personally given Angela her blessing to share their extraordinary bond with the world. Whether it’s preparing for a formal occasion or brightening Her Majesty’s day with a playful joke, Angela’s priority is to serve and support. 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 documents the unique working relationship between Her Majesty The Queen and the woman who has been her Personal Assistant and Senior Dresser for more than two Angela Kelly. It gives a rare insight into the demands of the job of supporting the Monarch, and we gain privileged insight into a successful working relationship, characterized by humor, creativity, hard work, and a mutual commitment to service and duty. Angela is a talented and inspiring woman, who has captured the highlights of her long career with The Queen for us all to share.’ –Samantha Cohen, Assistant Private Secretary to The Queen (2011–2018)
405 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 29, 2019
1177 people are currently reading
3204 people want to read
About the author
Angela Kelly
4 books25 followersMary Angela Kelly, LVO (born 4 November 1957, Liverpool), is a British fashion designer, dressmaker, and milliner, who served as Personal Assistant and Senior Dresser to Queen Elizabeth II from 2002 to the Queen's death in 2022. Her official title is Personal Assistant, Adviser and Curator to Her Majesty The Queen (Jewellery, Insignias and Wardrobe).
Kelly was born in Liverpool, as the daughter of a dock worker and a nurse.
She first began working for the Queen after gaining employment as The Queen’s Dresser following an interview at Windsor Castle in 1994. She was responsible for the Queen's clothes, jewellery and insignia. She researched the venues for royal visits as well as the significance of different colours, in order to create appropriate outfits for the monarch.
Kelly founded a fashion label, Kelly & Pordum, with Alison Pordum, who was also employed as the Queen's in-house dressmaker until 2008. Kelly is also the author of Dressing the Queen: The Jubilee Wardrobe and The Other Side of the Coin: The Queen, the Dresser and the Wardrobe.
In 2006, she was appointed a Member of the Royal Victorian Order (MVO), and promoted to Lieutenant of the same Order (LVO) in 2012. She was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Version of the Royal Household Long and Faithful Service Medal in 2014 for 20 years of service to the Royal Family.
Kelly was born in Liverpool, as the daughter of a dock worker and a nurse.
She first began working for the Queen after gaining employment as The Queen’s Dresser following an interview at Windsor Castle in 1994. She was responsible for the Queen's clothes, jewellery and insignia. She researched the venues for royal visits as well as the significance of different colours, in order to create appropriate outfits for the monarch.
Kelly founded a fashion label, Kelly & Pordum, with Alison Pordum, who was also employed as the Queen's in-house dressmaker until 2008. Kelly is also the author of Dressing the Queen: The Jubilee Wardrobe and The Other Side of the Coin: The Queen, the Dresser and the Wardrobe.
In 2006, she was appointed a Member of the Royal Victorian Order (MVO), and promoted to Lieutenant of the same Order (LVO) in 2012. She was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Version of the Royal Household Long and Faithful Service Medal in 2014 for 20 years of service to the Royal Family.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 596 reviews
November 10, 2019
Why was the book written? The author had previously written Dressing the Queen: The Jubilee Wardrobe and this is more of the same. The title hints that there will be revelations about the Queen as only someone who has seen her in her bra and knickers would know. But the revelations are few and far between and not really pleasant to read. If the Queen says something nice or amusing, it is elevated as if it was extraordinary but if anyone else said it, no one would bother mentioning it. I'm not big on that kind of people-worship.
There are a lot of fillers inserted as chapters, by other staff, by photographers, by designers on how wonderful Angela Kelly is, what a joy to work for, such a privilege to be invited to work for the Queen. Major toadying. I wouldn't say it was boasting as I think these were probably inserted by an editor to pad out this insubstantial book.
Angela Kelly is no writer, there is no depth, no insight, no glimpses from the 'other side of the coin' of how the Queen "really" is. Since Angela makes a point of saying right at the beginning of how she is absolutely loyal to the official secrets act and would never breech confidentiality in even the smallest way all there is left to write about is the dresses. So that's what she writes about, since she did that already in another book, I ask myself, why was this book written?
It's not unenjoyable or enjoyable, you can skim long passages, it's somewhere between boring and a perfect example of 'meh'. 2.5 stars, at best.
___________________
Notes on Reading I once read that the Queen said "I am an ordinary person with an extraordinary job". And I believed it, but she's not. She's not like us at all. When Prince William, who is her grandson and second in line to the throne, got married and the invites went out the first thing all the women did was concentrate on getting the right outfit. I'm sure that Carole Middleton, mother of the bride, had the outfit, jewellery and accessories all sorted out months before. But the Queen only decided three weeks before that she'd like to wear something in yellow. Who does that?
She not only lives in a different world, she doesn't see the world the way we do.
But I ask myself is it the position or is the money? I recently had a short relationship, 3-4 months, with a billionaire racing car driver. He did odd time-related things too. When we got to Daytona for the PCA OktoberFast, the practices were next day (these determine pole position on the grid) and he decided he wanted a spare engine 'just in case'. So he got an engine air-freighted in overnight. Just like that. Who does that?
This book is a lot like the cream sprayed on your dessert, on your key lime pie or chocolate layer cake, in restaurants: it evaporates really fast and leaves a puddle of something sweet and insubstantial on the pudding. It might as well not have been there it's so evanescent, as is this book.
There are a lot of fillers inserted as chapters, by other staff, by photographers, by designers on how wonderful Angela Kelly is, what a joy to work for, such a privilege to be invited to work for the Queen. Major toadying. I wouldn't say it was boasting as I think these were probably inserted by an editor to pad out this insubstantial book.
Angela Kelly is no writer, there is no depth, no insight, no glimpses from the 'other side of the coin' of how the Queen "really" is. Since Angela makes a point of saying right at the beginning of how she is absolutely loyal to the official secrets act and would never breech confidentiality in even the smallest way all there is left to write about is the dresses. So that's what she writes about, since she did that already in another book, I ask myself, why was this book written?
It's not unenjoyable or enjoyable, you can skim long passages, it's somewhere between boring and a perfect example of 'meh'. 2.5 stars, at best.
___________________
Notes on Reading I once read that the Queen said "I am an ordinary person with an extraordinary job". And I believed it, but she's not. She's not like us at all. When Prince William, who is her grandson and second in line to the throne, got married and the invites went out the first thing all the women did was concentrate on getting the right outfit. I'm sure that Carole Middleton, mother of the bride, had the outfit, jewellery and accessories all sorted out months before. But the Queen only decided three weeks before that she'd like to wear something in yellow. Who does that?
She not only lives in a different world, she doesn't see the world the way we do.
But I ask myself is it the position or is the money? I recently had a short relationship, 3-4 months, with a billionaire racing car driver. He did odd time-related things too. When we got to Daytona for the PCA OktoberFast, the practices were next day (these determine pole position on the grid) and he decided he wanted a spare engine 'just in case'. So he got an engine air-freighted in overnight. Just like that. Who does that?
This book is a lot like the cream sprayed on your dessert, on your key lime pie or chocolate layer cake, in restaurants: it evaporates really fast and leaves a puddle of something sweet and insubstantial on the pudding. It might as well not have been there it's so evanescent, as is this book.
September 15, 2022
This is a book written about Queen Elizabeth II by her trusted confidant and Dresser Angela Kelly.
The author worked with the Queen for over 25 years before writing this book. She takes us into Buckingham palace and the Queen's private life with her permission to share a few anecdotes that many readers will be interested to know about.
Even though there are many restrictions for the author to share personal details and experiences to protect the royal family's privacy, we can say that she did a decent job sharing some new information with the readers. We can see the extraordinary amount of humor and empathy shown by the Queen in various parts of this book. The extra effort that the Queen took to remove the confusion between the royal family and a photographer is one such small incident that has been unknown to the outside world till now.
The way Queen Elizabeth II came to the London Olympics inauguration garnered much public attention. The author takes us to some new information that happened behind the scenes, how this whole procedure was carried out, and why the Queen agreed to do such a funny video with James Bond breaking the protocol.
What I learned from this book
1) What are all the different aspects you should consider while selecting an outfit for the Queen?
In order to become the person who designs Queen's costumes, you will have to be the best in your field. The author tells us why it is complicated and crucial to consider many aspects before even planning to design Queen's costumes.
2) Are some of the detailed descriptions of Queen's private room discussed in the news and social media true?
The author uses the opportunity to remove the public's misconceptions about Queen and the royal family in this book. She tells us why we shouldn't believe these furtive details spread as rumors circulating in the crowd.
3) Queen Elizabeth II, James Bond and London Olympics
Was Queen Elizabeth a strict person who never agreed to break protocol? The answer to this question can be easily found on social media in the London Olympics inauguration video. It was not a video that fortuitously happened. We can see how she agreed to break the protocol and made us all see her humorous side to make us all happy.
My favourite three lines from this book
What could have been better?
The author is a professional royal family dresser. So she goes into the details of selecting costumes for the Queen and what she considered and discussed with the Queen while choosing each outfit. If you are someone who is reading this book just to know more about Queen and not a fashion aficionado and are not interested to know anything about her wardrobe, haute couture, and fashion, you will find some of these areas of this book boring.
Rating
3.5/5 If you are someone who loves fashion and wants to know more about this aspect of the Queen and royal family and some new information about her personal life, this book will be a good choice.
The author worked with the Queen for over 25 years before writing this book. She takes us into Buckingham palace and the Queen's private life with her permission to share a few anecdotes that many readers will be interested to know about.
Even though there are many restrictions for the author to share personal details and experiences to protect the royal family's privacy, we can say that she did a decent job sharing some new information with the readers. We can see the extraordinary amount of humor and empathy shown by the Queen in various parts of this book. The extra effort that the Queen took to remove the confusion between the royal family and a photographer is one such small incident that has been unknown to the outside world till now.
The way Queen Elizabeth II came to the London Olympics inauguration garnered much public attention. The author takes us to some new information that happened behind the scenes, how this whole procedure was carried out, and why the Queen agreed to do such a funny video with James Bond breaking the protocol.
What I learned from this book
1) What are all the different aspects you should consider while selecting an outfit for the Queen?
In order to become the person who designs Queen's costumes, you will have to be the best in your field. The author tells us why it is complicated and crucial to consider many aspects before even planning to design Queen's costumes.
"In 2008, Her Majesty was invited to Slovenia and Slovakia for a four-day State Visit. Three months before, I traveled with a small group of the Royal Household to both countries to do our usual recce ahead of the Royal visit.
Her Majesty needed to look glamorous on every occasion: there must not be a 'stand-out' outfit that overshadowed the rest, especially since she would be visiting two countries. There were also cultural sensitivities to take into account: would any particular colour be considered offensive or inappropriate?"
2) Are some of the detailed descriptions of Queen's private room discussed in the news and social media true?
The author uses the opportunity to remove the public's misconceptions about Queen and the royal family in this book. She tells us why we shouldn't believe these furtive details spread as rumors circulating in the crowd.
"Even after twenty-five years of service with Her Majesty, it still astonishes me that some former members of staff – even those who have not worked in the Palace for thirty years – are prone to making suggestions and sharing supposed details about The Queen's private rooms, when they actually have no insight whatsoever. The only gentlemen that I have ever known to enter these rooms are The Duke of Edinburgh and other members of the Royal Family, because The Queen's privacy is the absolute priority among her personal staff. So, do bear this in mind the next time you hear any supposed details about Her Majesty's private rooms! There will always be people who will say anything for attention."
3) Queen Elizabeth II, James Bond and London Olympics
Was Queen Elizabeth a strict person who never agreed to break protocol? The answer to this question can be easily found on social media in the London Olympics inauguration video. It was not a video that fortuitously happened. We can see how she agreed to break the protocol and made us all see her humorous side to make us all happy.
"There are few occasions on which Her Majesty will agree to break protocol, but in 2011, when film director Danny Boyle approached the Royal Household, he had a request to make that we simply could not refuse.
I remember the look of shock on Danny's face that I would be asking Her Majesty straight away, but there's no point in waiting around with these things: if she said no, that would be the end of it. I ran upstairs and luckily The Queen was free so I asked if she would be prepared to do a surprise performance for the Olympics opening ceremony. She was very amused by the idea and agreed immediately. I asked then if she would like a speaking part. Without hesitation, Her Majesty replied, 'Of course I must say something. After all, he is coming to rescue me.'
I asked whether she would like to say, 'Good evening, James,' or 'Good evening, Mr Bond,' and she chose the latter, knowing the Bond films. Within minutes, I was back in Edward's office delivering the good news to Danny – I think he almost fell off his chair when I said that The Queen's only stipulation was that she could deliver that iconic line: 'Good evening, Mr Bond.'"
My favourite three lines from this book
"One of the good things about working in the same job for such a long time is that it allows you to put things right that haven't gone quite as planned in the past."
"One crucial factor was the dress The Queen would wear for the momentous skydive. I had to be careful not to choose a colour that was strongly associated with any of the participating nations, too, so after much consideration, I chose peach. However, the colour wasn't the only factor, the dress also had to be designed perfectly to allow movement in the skirt as The Queen seemingly flew through the air."
"I'm very careful to respect The Queen's privacy, of course, but one thing I always tell people is just how considerate and thoughtful Her Majesty is – she is always willing to help, never wants to let anyone down, and will always do her best to make sure everyone is content. ”
What could have been better?
The author is a professional royal family dresser. So she goes into the details of selecting costumes for the Queen and what she considered and discussed with the Queen while choosing each outfit. If you are someone who is reading this book just to know more about Queen and not a fashion aficionado and are not interested to know anything about her wardrobe, haute couture, and fashion, you will find some of these areas of this book boring.
Rating
3.5/5 If you are someone who loves fashion and wants to know more about this aspect of the Queen and royal family and some new information about her personal life, this book will be a good choice.
October 29, 2023
Why I chose to listen to this audiobook:
1. I enjoy reading about the Royal Family. I found this audiobook on Hoopla shortly after Queen Elizabeth II passed away; and,
2. September 2023 is my "Memoirs & Biographies" Month.
Praises:
1. author Angela Kelly gives an in-depth, but dignified look behind-the-scenes as Queen Elizabeth II's Personal Assistant, Advisor and Curator (Jewellery, Insignias, and Wardrobe) since 1994;
2. as her "right-hand woman", Kelly shares so much information about:
- the choices of fabrics and adjustments to garments in HM's wardrobe;
- how jewellery and accessories are chosen to complement her outfits;
- what royal warrants are and who receives them;
- how Kelly prepared HM for her entrance to the 2012 London Summer Olympics, the making of her hologram, and for various professional photography sessions;
- that the Queen dresses herself and applies her own makeup;
- that the blue and yellow "EU" dress worn during the Opening of Parliament was purely unintentional!
3. I laughed out loud when Kelly shared Prince Phillip's comment about a specific fabric pattern;
4. I enjoyed learning about Kelly's personal memories about trips abroad, especially when she came to Canada and worked with the Mi'kmaq in Nova Scotia and her special fondness for the province of Saskatchewan;
5. Kelly also shares other heartwarming memories not necessarily related the the Queen's wardrobe;
6. Kelly's narration for this audiobook was quite pleasing; and,
7. I absolutely loved the stunning photos in the hardcopy! Many have never been seen before! The colors were especially dazzling!
Tiny Niggle:
A few of the photos are only of scenic locations (e.g. the Taj Mahal, the Sydney Opera House, etc.) with no one in the shots.
Overall Thoughts:
This is Kelly's second book - I haven't read Dressing the Queen: The Jubilee Wardrobe.
I wasn't expecting Kelly to disclose any deep, dark secrets. Some things as best left private. I did; however, learn a lot more about the Queen than I knew before, which made this a most enjoyable read for me.
The book Our Rainbow Queen by Sali Hughes makes a wonderful accompaniment!
Although the audiobook was well done, I highly recommend checking out the hardcopy for royal watchers in order to appreciate the myriad of photos!
1. I enjoy reading about the Royal Family. I found this audiobook on Hoopla shortly after Queen Elizabeth II passed away; and,
2. September 2023 is my "Memoirs & Biographies" Month.
Praises:
1. author Angela Kelly gives an in-depth, but dignified look behind-the-scenes as Queen Elizabeth II's Personal Assistant, Advisor and Curator (Jewellery, Insignias, and Wardrobe) since 1994;
2. as her "right-hand woman", Kelly shares so much information about:
- the choices of fabrics and adjustments to garments in HM's wardrobe;
- how jewellery and accessories are chosen to complement her outfits;
- what royal warrants are and who receives them;
- how Kelly prepared HM for her entrance to the 2012 London Summer Olympics, the making of her hologram, and for various professional photography sessions;
- that the Queen dresses herself and applies her own makeup;
- that the blue and yellow "EU" dress worn during the Opening of Parliament was purely unintentional!
3. I laughed out loud when Kelly shared Prince Phillip's comment about a specific fabric pattern;
4. I enjoyed learning about Kelly's personal memories about trips abroad, especially when she came to Canada and worked with the Mi'kmaq in Nova Scotia and her special fondness for the province of Saskatchewan;
5. Kelly also shares other heartwarming memories not necessarily related the the Queen's wardrobe;
6. Kelly's narration for this audiobook was quite pleasing; and,
7. I absolutely loved the stunning photos in the hardcopy! Many have never been seen before! The colors were especially dazzling!
Tiny Niggle:
A few of the photos are only of scenic locations (e.g. the Taj Mahal, the Sydney Opera House, etc.) with no one in the shots.
Overall Thoughts:
This is Kelly's second book - I haven't read Dressing the Queen: The Jubilee Wardrobe.
I wasn't expecting Kelly to disclose any deep, dark secrets. Some things as best left private. I did; however, learn a lot more about the Queen than I knew before, which made this a most enjoyable read for me.
The book Our Rainbow Queen by Sali Hughes makes a wonderful accompaniment!
Although the audiobook was well done, I highly recommend checking out the hardcopy for royal watchers in order to appreciate the myriad of photos!
April 5, 2023
You know how when you had to write a paper in school and there was a minimum length requirement so you just kept repeating and rewording the same thoughts over and over? That is this book.
Kelly seems like a truly sweet lady (EDIT: I take this back post-Finding Freedom/Spare/everything else, she’s a bully). But as she still works for the Queen, the “revelations” are not a thrill. This is stodgy from start to finish.
Kelly seems like a truly sweet lady (EDIT: I take this back post-Finding Freedom/Spare/everything else, she’s a bully). But as she still works for the Queen, the “revelations” are not a thrill. This is stodgy from start to finish.
November 10, 2023
ROYALTY READS PROJECT 2023
Soooo this book is not for everyone. I loved it because I am a fashion fiend, and I cannot stop shopping. I just can’t. It’s not just a compulsion. It’s a deeply rooted obsession. I’m so far on my fifth week of wearing a different outfit everyday to work and my new pharmacy director is really getting a kick out waiting to see what I’ll be wearing next. It’s even been requested by my internal director of regional,operations to send her pics of my shoes or especially fab combinations. Of course this is my sugar topping on a cake I can never get enough of.
Anyway! The lovely woman who wrote this book talked about…clothing! Duh what she created with her own vision; what she saw in high end boutiques it’s just amazing. And of course it discusses their special friendship. Quite touching. DREAM JOB
8/29 UPDATE today has begun the tenth week of myself not repeating an outfit at work. Today is also the day that the great cheating mess called the great productivity race fiasco of 2023 was thrown in my face. I’m thinking of taking a triage position. But then I can’t listen to my audiobooks. Or maybe I can just die and they can roll my coffin to my desk. I measured and I’m pretty sure it will fit if they move my chair
11/23 last posting
I totally forgot I was posting in this review! I was able to meet my 15 week goal of a new outfit everyday. AND I earned my entire pharmacy a great big cake! So far I’m technically still playing because our weather here is ridiculous. I was asked if I was going to do this as a fall/winter edition, but I said no because 1. I swore I wouldn’t shop AND wear anything during that time (my gawd that was such a massive sense of anxiety because it’s basically my one coping skill) and 2. I own two jumbo bags of sweaters that could come close to the 15 weeks on their own-not fair.
Soooo this book is not for everyone. I loved it because I am a fashion fiend, and I cannot stop shopping. I just can’t. It’s not just a compulsion. It’s a deeply rooted obsession. I’m so far on my fifth week of wearing a different outfit everyday to work and my new pharmacy director is really getting a kick out waiting to see what I’ll be wearing next. It’s even been requested by my internal director of regional,operations to send her pics of my shoes or especially fab combinations. Of course this is my sugar topping on a cake I can never get enough of.
Anyway! The lovely woman who wrote this book talked about…clothing! Duh what she created with her own vision; what she saw in high end boutiques it’s just amazing. And of course it discusses their special friendship. Quite touching. DREAM JOB
8/29 UPDATE today has begun the tenth week of myself not repeating an outfit at work. Today is also the day that the great cheating mess called the great productivity race fiasco of 2023 was thrown in my face. I’m thinking of taking a triage position. But then I can’t listen to my audiobooks. Or maybe I can just die and they can roll my coffin to my desk. I measured and I’m pretty sure it will fit if they move my chair
11/23 last posting
I totally forgot I was posting in this review! I was able to meet my 15 week goal of a new outfit everyday. AND I earned my entire pharmacy a great big cake! So far I’m technically still playing because our weather here is ridiculous. I was asked if I was going to do this as a fall/winter edition, but I said no because 1. I swore I wouldn’t shop AND wear anything during that time (my gawd that was such a massive sense of anxiety because it’s basically my one coping skill) and 2. I own two jumbo bags of sweaters that could come close to the 15 weeks on their own-not fair.
July 26, 2020
An insightful look into the Queen through her dresser and wardrobe. The planning, design and accessorising of the Queen's extensive wardrobe. It conveys the impression that Kelly does it all. I think not!
May 9, 2024
2,66 stars rounded up
The fact that the author herself narrates the book does it a disservice. Angela Kelly, while not a writer, is not a narrator either. She is dull and wooden, reads the book like a shopping list and makes it sound worse than it actually is. TBH it is no literary masterpiece in any case, but it's not that terrible either.
Her style is reverential and she is very discreet. She's an old-school lady, holding up with tradition and this is a strongly pasteurised account of her working for Queen Elizabeth II as a dresser and personal assistant.
As the book was supported by the Queen and the Palace, it is all rather subdued, sometimes very technical with some interesting tidbits turning up now and then.
Bought this book on a 2-for-1 Audible sale, so it's ok. It was worth half a credit, but certainly not more.
The fact that the author herself narrates the book does it a disservice. Angela Kelly, while not a writer, is not a narrator either. She is dull and wooden, reads the book like a shopping list and makes it sound worse than it actually is. TBH it is no literary masterpiece in any case, but it's not that terrible either.
Her style is reverential and she is very discreet. She's an old-school lady, holding up with tradition and this is a strongly pasteurised account of her working for Queen Elizabeth II as a dresser and personal assistant.
As the book was supported by the Queen and the Palace, it is all rather subdued, sometimes very technical with some interesting tidbits turning up now and then.
Bought this book on a 2-for-1 Audible sale, so it's ok. It was worth half a credit, but certainly not more.
November 6, 2019
Pleasant
I can't quite put my finger on it. Angela comes across as a very competent dresser to HM but I didn't like the inclusion of so many personal endorsements from family and co-workers. It all felt a little too self glorifying.
I can't quite put my finger on it. Angela comes across as a very competent dresser to HM but I didn't like the inclusion of so many personal endorsements from family and co-workers. It all felt a little too self glorifying.
November 7, 2019
Some interesting details, but I felt there was way too much patting herself on the back by the author. I don’t understand why letters were included in this book that praised the author. As a result, I skipped these parts and found the book to be disappointing.
January 7, 2020
There was much that was fascinating but so sycophantic and lots of exclamation points.
November 28, 2019
Angela Kelly’s book would have been an interesting short story. Her writing is poor and repetitive. By the book’s end it is clear that she thinks she is the best dresser, the best boss and the best friend to the Queen EVER.
December 25, 2022
Увлекательный мемуар о работе дизайнера/стилиста/костюмера (не знаешь, как и назвать — обязанностей у авторки было ещё больше, но в оригинале всё это суммируется словом dresser) Елизаветы II.
Куча интересных деталей о повседневной жизни королевы и разных нюансах работы с ней. Например: «Каждое утро (в неделю скачек в Аскоте) я кладу на стол в мастерской пять шляп, которые королева уже надевала. Все они — разных цветов и стилей, и лежат они здесь не просто так. Их видит каждый, кто проходит мимо комнаты — они не спрятаны за закрытой дверью и из них не делается секрета. Они должны помешать увидеть ту шляпу, которую королева на самом деле собирается надеть, чтобы никому не удалось, используя инсайдерскую информацию, выиграть деньги в ставках на цвет королевской шляпы. Это жульничество и было бы нечестным по отношению к остальным игрокам. Однажды такое случилось — вот почему мы и придумали эту систему. К счастью, тогда букмекер заподозрил неладное, увидев ставку в две с лишним тысячи фунтов и отменил её. К сожалению, это означало, что нужно отменить и остальные ставки в тот день. Так один человек, который считал себя самым умным, просто испортил всем удовольствие».
Куча интересных деталей о повседневной жизни королевы и разных нюансах работы с ней. Например: «Каждое утро (в неделю скачек в Аскоте) я кладу на стол в мастерской пять шляп, которые королева уже надевала. Все они — разных цветов и стилей, и лежат они здесь не просто так. Их видит каждый, кто проходит мимо комнаты — они не спрятаны за закрытой дверью и из них не делается секрета. Они должны помешать увидеть ту шляпу, которую королева на самом деле собирается надеть, чтобы никому не удалось, используя инсайдерскую информацию, выиграть деньги в ставках на цвет королевской шляпы. Это жульничество и было бы нечестным по отношению к остальным игрокам. Однажды такое случилось — вот почему мы и придумали эту систему. К счастью, тогда букмекер заподозрил неладное, увидев ставку в две с лишним тысячи фунтов и отменил её. К сожалению, это означало, что нужно отменить и остальные ставки в тот день. Так один человек, который считал себя самым умным, просто испортил всем удовольствие».
November 4, 2019
This was a thoroughly delightful read about Kelly's special relationship with the Queen. The more I read and know about Her Majesty, the more I admire her. She has weathered so much, but has done it with a great sense of duty and knowledge of her place in history. She is ultra aware of making sure her public is able to see her and that she acknowledges them in return. It was fun to discover more of her sense of humor and good to know she has caring allies around her. The photographs make this a treasure as well. A beautiful book.
November 14, 2019
Никогда не интересовалась этой темой королевского гардероба, но прочитала не без любопытства.
Понятно, что книжка, одобренная монархом и снабженная рекомендательными письмами секретаря королевы и всех членов портновской бригады Букингемского дворца, будет приглаженная и ровная, а шутки и инсайты явно прошли три ступени аутентификации, но что-то даже мне понравилось, особенно два анекдотца.
Старшим королевским камердинером Анжела была назначена осенью 1995 года, через год после того, как работавшая до нее Пегги Хоат вышла на пенсию. Первым делом она отправилась на Motcomb Street, улицу с дорогими кутюрными магазинами, думая присмотреть для своей патронессы новые наряды и наладить сотрудничество с какими-то модельерами. В первом же бутике продавщица презрительно оглядела скромно одетую покупательницу и сообщила ей, что у них в магазине представлена высокая мода, которую она вряд ли сможет себе позволить. Келли пишет, что еле удержалась, чтобы дословно не повторить там известную сцену из фильма «Красотка». В соседнем бутике, прямо как в кино, Анжелу встретили тепло и приветливо, терпеливо ответили на все ее вопросы, показали ткани, образцы, обсудили фасоны, а владелец бутика Стюарт Парвин оказался на удивление скромным, не болтливым и добрым человеком. С Домом моды Стюарта Парвина королевский двор сотрудничает до сих пор.
В 1998 году Королева должна была присутствовать на закрытии Игр стран Содружества в Куала-Лумпуре. Для церемонии было выбрано коралловое платье и шляпка в тон, которая была доставлена ко двору буквально в последний момент. Анжела посмотрела на произведение шляпного искусства и поняла, что фасон не слишком идет Ее Величеству, и предложила надеть шляпу задом наперед. Все немедленно были скандализованы таким предложением, а Келли увидела проходящего мимо герцога Филиппа и попросила посоветоваться с ним, потому что он "всегда говорит правду". В результате шляпу действительно надели задом наперед.
В общем, мой краткий рассказ про королевский шмот по ссылке. Жаль, что у меня нет столько зонтиков!
Понятно, что книжка, одобренная монархом и снабженная рекомендательными письмами секретаря королевы и всех членов портновской бригады Букингемского дворца, будет приглаженная и ровная, а шутки и инсайты явно прошли три ступени аутентификации, но что-то даже мне понравилось, особенно два анекдотца.
Старшим королевским камердинером Анжела была назначена осенью 1995 года, через год после того, как работавшая до нее Пегги Хоат вышла на пенсию. Первым делом она отправилась на Motcomb Street, улицу с дорогими кутюрными магазинами, думая присмотреть для своей патронессы новые наряды и наладить сотрудничество с какими-то модельерами. В первом же бутике продавщица презрительно оглядела скромно одетую покупательницу и сообщила ей, что у них в магазине представлена высокая мода, которую она вряд ли сможет себе позволить. Келли пишет, что еле удержалась, чтобы дословно не повторить там известную сцену из фильма «Красотка». В соседнем бутике, прямо как в кино, Анжелу встретили тепло и приветливо, терпеливо ответили на все ее вопросы, показали ткани, образцы, обсудили фасоны, а владелец бутика Стюарт Парвин оказался на удивление скромным, не болтливым и добрым человеком. С Домом моды Стюарта Парвина королевский двор сотрудничает до сих пор.
В 1998 году Королева должна была присутствовать на закрытии Игр стран Содружества в Куала-Лумпуре. Для церемонии было выбрано коралловое платье и шляпка в тон, которая была доставлена ко двору буквально в последний момент. Анжела посмотрела на произведение шляпного искусства и поняла, что фасон не слишком идет Ее Величеству, и предложила надеть шляпу задом наперед. Все немедленно были скандализованы таким предложением, а Келли увидела проходящего мимо герцога Филиппа и попросила посоветоваться с ним, потому что он "всегда говорит правду". В результате шляпу действительно надели задом наперед.
В общем, мой краткий рассказ про королевский шмот по ссылке. Жаль, что у меня нет столько зонтиков!
December 16, 2019
A bit disappointing. It's very nicely produced with some lovely pictures of the clothes. The interesting bits for me are the details of how it all works (with a question or two unanswered - does the Queen (or The Queen) not keep any clothes in her different houses or does it all have to be packed for travel with every move?), the research before overseas trips to make sure the colours are appropriate and not likely to cause offence, and to look for extra features which might please the host country, and of course the clothes. I am quite intrigued by the state dresses but there is not much about them or about evening gowns, so I am guessing that Angela Kelly mainly does the day wear and cocktail dresses. Less good things: it is quite obsequious but you would expect that. Angela Kelly comes across as a bit defensive (she doesn't forget a slight) as well as boastful. She has a fantastic job and it's fair enough to be proud of what she has done, and I don't think she needs to be chippy about her position - but then again we can't tell just how much unpleasantness she might have put up with in the early days, when the Royal Household was maybe not too welcoming (seriously, her being divorced was an issue?) It's not very well written and there are too many puff pieces by family and friends, perhaps to pad it out a bit. There's one thing (typo?) which should not have got past the editor - Queen Anne wasn't doing anything in 1871!
December 24, 2019
This is the most boring book I have ever read. I dont know what I expected. I wasnt looking for a salacious tell-all. It needed more...anything. pictures? Sewing diagrams? Design drawings? Schedule replicas? It is the USA Today of books, where the headlines are completely sanitized and the articles somehow manage to take up space while offering not one iota more information or perspective than the headline. "Queen's dresser writes book".
December 18, 2019
Amusing and lighthearted
Such a lovely account of her majesty the Queen. Angela Kelly writes descreetly and with joy for a job she clearly love
Such a lovely account of her majesty the Queen. Angela Kelly writes descreetly and with joy for a job she clearly love
January 5, 2020
A fascinating glimpse of life behind the scenes in the Queen's household. As the Queen's Personal Assistant and senior dresser, Angela Kelly describes her numerous duties including consulting with Queen about suitable fashions for every occasion, caring for delicate fabrics and conducting advance visits to royal tour itineraries to plan the Queen's wardrobe. Kelly also describes the more unique aspects of her role including ironing on the royal train (following the rhythm of the train "like surfing") and letting the bookies know when to close the betting on the colour of the Queen's hat at Royal Ascot.
There is an extensive section devoted to the Queen's fashions from the 2010 Canadian tour including her dress for the official dinner in Toronto, which included a shimmering crystal maple leaf design, and the beadwork created by the Mi'kmaq First Nation to adorn another dress from the royal tour. The author also worked closely with a sculptor in Saskatchewan to develop an equestrian sculpture and received the Saskatchewan Order of Merit.
I would have been interested to read more in the book about the history of the position of the Queen's dresser over the course of Queen Elizabeth II's reign. Kelly notes that previous dressers did not keep records concerning the provenance of materials in the Queen's wardrobe and I would liked to learn more about the challenges Kelly faced in organizing the Queen's fashions when she began her role.
An engaging read that gives a sense of what it is like to travel with the Queen and work in the royal household. The audiobook is read by the author.
There is an extensive section devoted to the Queen's fashions from the 2010 Canadian tour including her dress for the official dinner in Toronto, which included a shimmering crystal maple leaf design, and the beadwork created by the Mi'kmaq First Nation to adorn another dress from the royal tour. The author also worked closely with a sculptor in Saskatchewan to develop an equestrian sculpture and received the Saskatchewan Order of Merit.
I would have been interested to read more in the book about the history of the position of the Queen's dresser over the course of Queen Elizabeth II's reign. Kelly notes that previous dressers did not keep records concerning the provenance of materials in the Queen's wardrobe and I would liked to learn more about the challenges Kelly faced in organizing the Queen's fashions when she began her role.
An engaging read that gives a sense of what it is like to travel with the Queen and work in the royal household. The audiobook is read by the author.
December 30, 2019
This book was interesting but just okay. Full of great photos and Angela Kelly is certainly talented. It’s just a world that most of us cannot grasp. The history, power, wealth. A bit overwhelming from a commoners POV. (The queen is a cutie tho)
May 8, 2021
This book does not work well as a Kindle read. It contains lots of photographs of The Queen, her clothes and jewellery but it is impossible to appreciate the details on a small black and white screen.
As an autobiography it is an insubstantial 'puff'. There is little of Angela Kelly's life before she joined the royal household apart from a short piece about her upbringing in Liverpool. It appears that the whole point of the book is to state repeatedly how wonderful it is to work for The Queen. it read more like a hagiography than an autobiography. Having said that, I only spent 99p on it and so it was worth the money and I did learn a few fascinating details about life in the royal palaces.
As an autobiography it is an insubstantial 'puff'. There is little of Angela Kelly's life before she joined the royal household apart from a short piece about her upbringing in Liverpool. It appears that the whole point of the book is to state repeatedly how wonderful it is to work for The Queen. it read more like a hagiography than an autobiography. Having said that, I only spent 99p on it and so it was worth the money and I did learn a few fascinating details about life in the royal palaces.
April 7, 2020
If you know me, you know my love and obsession for the Royals and for fashion and this book covered it all! This book was on my Christmas list and although it is the second book of Angela Kelly and I have not had the chance to read the first one, this book gave an insight of what it is like to work for Her Majesty, The Queen. And oh how I wish I did!
Angela is the Dresser of the Queen and has been for the past 25 years. How she came upon this position and how her friendship with the Queen was so empowering and a breath of fresh air. Learning about what it takes to make the Queen's looks is astonishing and to just be a bystander in the room would have me in awe. It takes an army and Angela's team is one of those teams that are truly miracle workers. From designing her looks (up to two a day!) to her hats to her shoes, the Queen is always in style! And she's pretty down to earth too!
After being passed down to 62 members of the Royal Family, the famous Royal Christening Robe had been worn so many times that it was beginning to snag and collect a few stains along the way. The Queen herself asked Angela to make a replica of the robe for future use so that the original could be locked away. I mean, what an honor! To see both gowns side by side is breathtaking, Angela truly did amazing work!
Angela also shares her love for design with her granddaughter Scarlett, which made me smile as I share my own sewing stories with my own grandmother Carol.
This book is an inside look on the working relationship between Her Majesty and the woman who has been her Senior Dresser for more than two decades, Angela Kelly.
Angela is the Dresser of the Queen and has been for the past 25 years. How she came upon this position and how her friendship with the Queen was so empowering and a breath of fresh air. Learning about what it takes to make the Queen's looks is astonishing and to just be a bystander in the room would have me in awe. It takes an army and Angela's team is one of those teams that are truly miracle workers. From designing her looks (up to two a day!) to her hats to her shoes, the Queen is always in style! And she's pretty down to earth too!
After being passed down to 62 members of the Royal Family, the famous Royal Christening Robe had been worn so many times that it was beginning to snag and collect a few stains along the way. The Queen herself asked Angela to make a replica of the robe for future use so that the original could be locked away. I mean, what an honor! To see both gowns side by side is breathtaking, Angela truly did amazing work!
Angela also shares her love for design with her granddaughter Scarlett, which made me smile as I share my own sewing stories with my own grandmother Carol.
This book is an inside look on the working relationship between Her Majesty and the woman who has been her Senior Dresser for more than two decades, Angela Kelly.
June 7, 2023
Five stars to this most interesting of chronicles by a Royal insider. Angela Kelly was responsible for so many of Queen Elizabeth II's wardrobe items. Fascinating insights into routines, schedules, and decisions about what is to be worn and when. I began with the audiobook, read by the author, and found her voice quite endearing and quirky. She drew me in with her stories of her parents and her early years in Liverpool. I was totally sold when she described learning how to disassemble a Singer sewing machine and put it back together again. Other favourite chapters include Kelly's explanation of how she cares for the Garter Day robe and Her Majesty's encounter with Annie Leibovitz. And then, the chapter about the Christening Robe. And the 2012 James Bond escapade. I then looked at the hardcover book, and o, how wonderful are the photos, candid and posed, of Her Majesty. Each chapter is very short, anecdotal almost, and you can open the book anywhere and read. Frankly, had I started with the hardcover, I probably would not have finished reading all the text and just gawked at all the wonderful photos. Recommend!
November 9, 2019
I guess I had my hopes up too high for this book. Not to take credit away from Ms. Kelly’s duties to the queen but the book had a lot of nods to herself. I found Her description of some of the people mentioned to be a bit belittling. You are the Queen’s dresser, dear. Not the prime minister.
January 27, 2020
Gah. I was so disappointed in this book. The pictures are great, but, I could not get into the writing. I don't know if I'm just not British enough, but I really found the writing to be terrible - full of aggrandizement and (as Mark Darcy calls it in Bridget Jones' Diary) special pleading.
April 18, 2021
I wish the sections had been a little longer, but really enjoyable to read and great pictures.
April 28, 2020
A Lovely account from Angela Kelly - The Queens PA and official dresser leads us into a glimpse of the household of our current Queen Elizabeth. As the senior dresser Angela Kelly describes her duties with the queen on a daily basis creating suitable fashions for all occasions. Full of beautiful photographs set in a world which we only know a fraction of.
Angela is obviously a very important person in the Queens life and is involved in the fabric selection, the dress making, the alterations, hat design you name it. Even ironing on the Royal train.
A discreet memoir that shows she has a deep joy of the job she has done for two decades and clearly loves.
Angela is obviously a very important person in the Queens life and is involved in the fabric selection, the dress making, the alterations, hat design you name it. Even ironing on the Royal train.
A discreet memoir that shows she has a deep joy of the job she has done for two decades and clearly loves.
June 14, 2024
A sign of the times and a very entertaining read.
When I read how the Queen's "dresser" got permission to write this book, I thought of the sad story of the Queen's childhood governess, her beloved "Crawfie." Ms Crawford played a vital role in the development of Princess Elizabeth and her sister, but in retirement she made the mistake of writing a book about her time with the royal family. The book was completely positive and gives valuable information about the Queen's formative years.
The imperious Queen Mother saw it as a breach of trust. "A SERVANT speaking publicly about the Royals! How DARE she!" The poor woman was banned from contact with her former charges and died alone and heartbroken. Even after she became Queen, Elizabeth II never dared buck her strong-minded mum.
And yet, when her long time Senior Dresser asked permission to write a book about working together, the Queen gave her enthusiastic approval, with (apparently) no strings attached. The Queen is a more intelligent woman than her mother and has a shrewd appreciation of the value of good publicity. She has the confidence to trust completely and it pays off.
Not that she doesn't value discretion. She met the author during a royal visit to Germany, where Kelly was the Embassy housekeeper. Asked about who would be the next guest there, Kelly refused to say, citing the pledge she had given not to divulge details of her duties. The Queen and Prince Philip were amused at Kelly's firmness, but they didn't forget it, either. Later, she was approached about a job in the Palace. The Royals like staff who can keep their mouths shut!
I'm not a clothes horse OR a follower of the Royals, but I was fascinated by Kelly's stories of her childhood as one of six children in a working class family in Liverpool. She started working at age fifteen and married and had three children by the time she was in her twenties. She was divorced when she was hired to take charge of the Queen's wardrobe.
She says little about her children and how she managed as a working single mother. A shame, since I would have been interested. She must have had family support as her job required long hours and much time out of London. She does write about her four grandchildren, especially the granddaughter who shares her love of clothes and clothing design.
There's little about the Queen's relationship with her children or grandchildren, but Prince Philip plays a starring role. The author is an admirer of that controversial character, claiming that his value to the Queen was that he ALWAYS told her the truth. I loved his blunt opinion of an outfit done in a loud plaid. Suitable for covering the sofa, was the way he put it, saving his wife the embarrassment of appearing in clothing unsuited for her petite figure.
The author portrays the Queen as an intelligent woman with a well-developed sense of humor and a charming modesty. Her life's work (and first responsibility) is to serve her subjects and her ego is sublimated to that goal. If a hat designed to match that day's outfit turns out to be unflattering, she's unflappable. She won't have a temper tantrum and disappoint the people who've come to see her. She's the Queen and their servant. She must go through with her schedule and she MUST wear a hat. If it looks like hell, too damned bad.
Kelly herself is a tough Liverpool-Irish girl with great energy and an optimistic outlook. She loves fabric and clothes and feels privileged to have been the means of encouraging the Queen to transition to brighter colors and more modern designs. It's always fun to read about someone who loves his/her job.
Even for non-Royal watchers, this is a good read.
Update: I was interested (but not surprised) to learn that when the Queen retreated to Windsor Castle (after being widowed and in the face of the pandemic) the author was invited to live with her full time. Clearly, Ms Kelly was a cherished companion, as well as the keeper of the wardrobe.
After the Queen's death, it was announced that one of her last wishes was that Ms Kelly be allowed to live in one of the "grace and favor" cottages on the Windsor estate. I hope that King Charles honors his mother's wishes in this matter in gratitude to the author's hard work and loyalty to her queen and friend.
When I read how the Queen's "dresser" got permission to write this book, I thought of the sad story of the Queen's childhood governess, her beloved "Crawfie." Ms Crawford played a vital role in the development of Princess Elizabeth and her sister, but in retirement she made the mistake of writing a book about her time with the royal family. The book was completely positive and gives valuable information about the Queen's formative years.
The imperious Queen Mother saw it as a breach of trust. "A SERVANT speaking publicly about the Royals! How DARE she!" The poor woman was banned from contact with her former charges and died alone and heartbroken. Even after she became Queen, Elizabeth II never dared buck her strong-minded mum.
And yet, when her long time Senior Dresser asked permission to write a book about working together, the Queen gave her enthusiastic approval, with (apparently) no strings attached. The Queen is a more intelligent woman than her mother and has a shrewd appreciation of the value of good publicity. She has the confidence to trust completely and it pays off.
Not that she doesn't value discretion. She met the author during a royal visit to Germany, where Kelly was the Embassy housekeeper. Asked about who would be the next guest there, Kelly refused to say, citing the pledge she had given not to divulge details of her duties. The Queen and Prince Philip were amused at Kelly's firmness, but they didn't forget it, either. Later, she was approached about a job in the Palace. The Royals like staff who can keep their mouths shut!
I'm not a clothes horse OR a follower of the Royals, but I was fascinated by Kelly's stories of her childhood as one of six children in a working class family in Liverpool. She started working at age fifteen and married and had three children by the time she was in her twenties. She was divorced when she was hired to take charge of the Queen's wardrobe.
She says little about her children and how she managed as a working single mother. A shame, since I would have been interested. She must have had family support as her job required long hours and much time out of London. She does write about her four grandchildren, especially the granddaughter who shares her love of clothes and clothing design.
There's little about the Queen's relationship with her children or grandchildren, but Prince Philip plays a starring role. The author is an admirer of that controversial character, claiming that his value to the Queen was that he ALWAYS told her the truth. I loved his blunt opinion of an outfit done in a loud plaid. Suitable for covering the sofa, was the way he put it, saving his wife the embarrassment of appearing in clothing unsuited for her petite figure.
The author portrays the Queen as an intelligent woman with a well-developed sense of humor and a charming modesty. Her life's work (and first responsibility) is to serve her subjects and her ego is sublimated to that goal. If a hat designed to match that day's outfit turns out to be unflattering, she's unflappable. She won't have a temper tantrum and disappoint the people who've come to see her. She's the Queen and their servant. She must go through with her schedule and she MUST wear a hat. If it looks like hell, too damned bad.
Kelly herself is a tough Liverpool-Irish girl with great energy and an optimistic outlook. She loves fabric and clothes and feels privileged to have been the means of encouraging the Queen to transition to brighter colors and more modern designs. It's always fun to read about someone who loves his/her job.
Even for non-Royal watchers, this is a good read.
Update: I was interested (but not surprised) to learn that when the Queen retreated to Windsor Castle (after being widowed and in the face of the pandemic) the author was invited to live with her full time. Clearly, Ms Kelly was a cherished companion, as well as the keeper of the wardrobe.
After the Queen's death, it was announced that one of her last wishes was that Ms Kelly be allowed to live in one of the "grace and favor" cottages on the Windsor estate. I hope that King Charles honors his mother's wishes in this matter in gratitude to the author's hard work and loyalty to her queen and friend.
December 1, 2019
I love all things about the British monarchy and had read Angels Kelly’s first book about dressing the queen. This go round, she delves deeper into the queen’s life and engagements. Loved it.
November 5, 2019
This book is a highly enjoyable read. To my knowledge, this is the first book sanctioned by the Queen written by a staff member; a current staff member at that.
Angela describes the Queen in a personal light without revealing anything too personal and nothing scandalous. Queen Elizabeth is interested in the details of every aspect of her job and what is reflected to the world. I loved the stories of local tribes, people and markets from her visits supply her wardrobe. That QEII enjoys a good bargain and is known to use fabric she may have given 30 plus years ago today. QEII is also a practical joker who takes it as well as she gives it. Prince Phillip is a person you can rely on when you need an honest opinion (when asked about a questionable fabric choice he responded with "are we reupholstering the couch?" Angela clearly loves QEII and by extension her job.
Fun facts:
Angela's assistant's is from Maine. For Halloween this assistant, Jackie, dressed up as Queen Victoria for the staff fancy dress party. QEII told her everyone that her great-great-great grandmother dressed her.
First impression matter. Angela met QEII while working at the Berlin embassy. She refused to tell the Queen who was coming next since she had signed a confidentially agreement.
QEII had a dream of a photo with her hands in her pockets
Angela describes the Queen in a personal light without revealing anything too personal and nothing scandalous. Queen Elizabeth is interested in the details of every aspect of her job and what is reflected to the world. I loved the stories of local tribes, people and markets from her visits supply her wardrobe. That QEII enjoys a good bargain and is known to use fabric she may have given 30 plus years ago today. QEII is also a practical joker who takes it as well as she gives it. Prince Phillip is a person you can rely on when you need an honest opinion (when asked about a questionable fabric choice he responded with "are we reupholstering the couch?" Angela clearly loves QEII and by extension her job.
Fun facts:
Angela's assistant's is from Maine. For Halloween this assistant, Jackie, dressed up as Queen Victoria for the staff fancy dress party. QEII told her everyone that her great-great-great grandmother dressed her.
First impression matter. Angela met QEII while working at the Berlin embassy. She refused to tell the Queen who was coming next since she had signed a confidentially agreement.
QEII had a dream of a photo with her hands in her pockets
October 13, 2022
1 star = I did not like it per GR's rating system.
This was extremely cringeworthy. It was a case of everyone else is wrong and the author is right, especially if the everyone else was someone who was in a more senior position (except for her mentors). The author and any budding author should take note: no one likes a chronic complainer or a tattle tale, it just sounds bad and is a bad look.
Also extreme name dropping, especially with QE2. I couldn't believe one of the earliest experiences she related when she kept bothering QE2 about elocution lessons even when QE2 had given her opinion once.
This could have been a fun book or interesting book. I wrote some more but I'm just going to leave it. I thought the book was in very bad taste and lacked decorum. I dnf'd at 16% because I couldn't bear it anymore.
This was extremely cringeworthy. It was a case of everyone else is wrong and the author is right, especially if the everyone else was someone who was in a more senior position (except for her mentors). The author and any budding author should take note: no one likes a chronic complainer or a tattle tale, it just sounds bad and is a bad look.
Also extreme name dropping, especially with QE2. I couldn't believe one of the earliest experiences she related when she kept bothering QE2 about elocution lessons even when QE2 had given her opinion once.
This could have been a fun book or interesting book. I wrote some more but I'm just going to leave it. I thought the book was in very bad taste and lacked decorum. I dnf'd at 16% because I couldn't bear it anymore.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 596 reviews