Confessions of the Queen’s Dresser
Senior Dresser to Queen Elizabeth II Angela Kelly has developed a special bond with the Monarch, and shares her insights in an exciting new book.
During my 25 years of working with The Queen, many events and engagements have taken place. Her Majesty travels to and from Buckingham Place, Windsor Castle, Sandringham House, the Palace of Holyroodhouse and Balmoral Castle, and spends numerous private weekends away too. The Queen and I have fun and laughter.
Many years ago, Her Majesty disclosed something to me – a secret wish that she’d held since she was young. Throughout The Queen’s time on the throne, she has been photographed in countless formal ways. However, for a long time, Her Majesty wanted to be photographed more informally and have the freedom, for example, to pose with her hands in her pockets. The Queen Mother and her advisors had always advised against this.
Some years later, I wondered if I might have a wonderful opportunity to make that wish come true ... It didn’t take long for The Queen to answer: yes. I arranged the photographer: Barry Jeffery, whom I trusted implicitly.
The day of the photoshoot arrived. As soon as Her Majesty joined us, Barry began to explain his approach. Within moments, The Queen raised her hand respectfully and Barry immediately stopped talking. “No, Barry, this is how we’re going to do it,” she said. “Just keep the camera rolling!” And we were off, Her Majesty took her position in front of the lens and started striking a series of poses, slipping her hands in and out of her pockets and placing them on her hips, mimicking the stances of a professional model. I stood by in disbelief – The Queen was a natural {see the result on page 76].