Here’s a book I fell upon rather randomly. I’m not what they call a serious ‘Royal Watcher’, but like so many fellow Americans I’m sometimes curious what those British Royals are up to. When it comes to the members of the Royal family, they take their work for The Firm, as they call it, very seriously, and it’s kinda fascinating how that all works. Of course, no one took it more seriously than Queen Elizabeth.

Now, add to this that, aside from Emily in Paris, I don’t follow fashion all that much. I was a ‘Tom Boy’ growing up and there was little need for fashion at the top of a willow tree. But you’d have to be blind to not notice the Queen was rather fastidious about what she wore. She definitely had a look! And that’s where Angela Kelly came in.

Ms. Kelly was the Queen’s dresser—yes, it’s a real job! And a very serious one at that. Kelly wrote two books about it; The Other Side of The Coin is one of them. I admit I was amazed at all the details and planning that went into what she wore every day.

Any given outfit took into consideration myriad items, including traditions of the location she’d be wearing it, what she’d worn for this event the previous year (and years before!) if it was a repeat occasion, the weather…including options for sunny vs rainy days, matching hats, umbrellas, shoes and the significance of a broach, earrings, tiara, etc. It’s a copious list and you can’t help being impressed with the organization it takes to do it.

Plus, the Queen had her own opinions. She cared about the fabric, the color, the tradition. And not only were they making clothes for all variety of social and official engagements, Kelly was also in charge of the care of some of the most famous pieces of clothing in the world, including the State Robe, Thistle Robe and even Queen Victoria’s baptismal gown which, after many christenings, presented an immense challenge in both preserving  the original and creating a replacement for future generations.   

Of course, there’s a team, but Ms. Kelly was at the top and this was a full-time, 24/7 kinda job. Along the way she formed a personal relationship with the Queen, as well as many other members of the Royal staff. Granted, the British sense of fun takes a little getting used to if you’re not born to it, but it’s what it meant to Kelly and the Queen that matters here.

FYI, don’t get the e-book, get the hardcover. This book is loaded with colorful photos and it’s really fun to see what the author is talking about in detail.  Hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

Click HERE to find The Other Side of The Coin on Amazon.