Whereas most of us look forward to gathering with friends and family over Christmas, enjoying a big lunch, going for a walk and then relaxing in front of the TV, for Her Majesty The Queen the festive season is one of numerous work and social engagements and her schedule is one that would exhaust many of us half her age.
In the December issue of Good Housekeeping magazine (out 30 October 2019), we are delighted to be publishing an exclusive extract from new book The Other Side Of The Coin, by Personal Advisor and Dresser to The Queen Angela Kelly, in which she reveals what goes on in the lead-up to The Queen’s Christmas message and how she spends her days over the festive season at Sandringham House.
The article includes numerous fascinating details – Her Majesty’s Christmas day can include as many as seven different outfit changes; and the Christmas Day Message is the only occasion during the year when The Queen does not do her own make-up – and personal details that reveal what an important time of year this is in the Royal calendar.
Angela has worked with The Queen and walked the corridors of the Royal Household for 25 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 anecdotes of their time spent together, the 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 Other Side Of The Coin by Angela Kelly (£20, HarperCollins) is out now.
Good Housekeeping's December issue is out now.
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