The Other Side of the Coin: The Queen, the Dresser and the Wardrobe. Angela Kelly

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СКАЧАТЬ I have grown up in Windsor since I was only a couple of weeks old, Windsor is a home for me, in the cosy cottage with the fire and the enormous grounds that lie around it. Ever since me and my brother were little kids, we were both curious about where the roads and paths would lead us, and we would go wandering off for hours exploring the river, bat caves, monkey puzzle tree, farm and bamboo trees. Staying in Windsor or Buckingham Palace is always the highlight of my week, and meeting The Queen is always a dream come true that I am grateful to enjoy. I am enormously proud of my granny and can’t wait to see her future endeavours.

      Sincerely,

       Jacob Wylie, age 15

       A letter from Angela’s grandson Alex P. Wylie

      I would just like to say how proud I am of my granny of what she has achieved. All through the fifteen years of my life, actually since my twin, Jacob, and I were a few months old, we have stayed in Marlborough House apartment, and then, when Granny moved to Windsor, into her cottage. We still stay to this day in Windsor and sometimes in Buckingham Palace.

      As you can imagine I have the fondest memories that will never leave me. Visiting my gran in the summer is great. I remember on one occasion, when my brother and I were around twelve years old, every evening we would set out walking and I smile now thinking of how many alarms we set off in the grounds of Windsor Castle while we went exploring, looking into the bat caves and many other exciting places, steeped in history.

      On another occasion we were playing in The Splash, which is a shallow part of a stream close to the cottage, although The Queen often goes there when she is in Windsor. As Her Majesty got closer she recognised us both, as she knew we were staying at Granny’s cottage. But so did the corgis. They came running up and started chasing us. They were very playful and they soon started playing in the water. Once again words can’t describe how proud I am of my granny for giving us so many magical moments.The memories will remain with me for ever and although we have grown up now, going to Granny’s is special.

      Regards,

       Alex P. Wylie, age 15

      A letter from Angela’s grandson James Anson

      When I read of or see my grandmother’s accomplishments, I feel both immense pride for her, and also a strong sense of inspiration in regards to my own goals. It often makes me realise how fortunate I am to be related to someone so talented in their work.

      I was fortunate enough, in fact, to spend a lot of time in my childhood at places such as Marlborough House, Buckingham Palace, and Windsor Castle, and I’m thankful not only to be able to have access to such iconic institutions, but also to have made brilliant memories there. One of my favourite places to visit during my childhood was St James’s Park. I still enjoy going there in winter to see the Smews.

      I am personally a massive fan of history; I aim to study history at university. In truth, I do owe a vast amount of my love for history to the fact that I have had access to some amazing places of great historical value for my entire life. I’ve formed my own memories in these places as well; memories I will treasure for many years. I realise how unique a position I am in and I’m very grateful to my grandmother for this.

      James W. Anson, age 18

      A letter from Angela’s granddaughter Scarlett Anson

      I have always enjoyed watching Granny work and talking with her about her latest design or projects. I’ve been privileged to see and feel some of the fabrics that have gone on to become outfits. I also spend a lot my time drawing and painting, but I like concept art for video games. I enjoy character design and created my own characters based on myself and people I have read about in books. Granny has inspired me with her skills in colour matching and creating designs so I love to show her my art work to get her feedback.

      Yours,

       Scarlett Anson, age 13

       DEAR READER

      It took me some time to start writing this book. When I first asked The Queen if she would mind me writing another book, after Dressing the Queen in 2012, but this time about our close working relationship, I never thought in my wildest dreams that Her Majesty would say yes.

      Once the initial shock was over, I found myself struggling. The Queen trusts me and she knows I would not write any intimate details or anything untoward about our friendship and working relationship, but, nevertheless, I still struggled.

      I wanted to do this book justice. I wanted to be worthy of writing it, and to share with you the magical and engaging moments that have happened between Her Majesty and myself while we have been working together. The Queen may not have thought them magical, but I did and I still do.

      During my twenty-five years to date of working with The Queen, many events and engagements have taken place. Her Majesty travels to and from Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, Sandringham House, the Palace of Holyroodhouse and Balmoral Castle, and spends numerous private weekends away, too.

      With this book I would like to share with you the wonderful working life and relationship between Her Majesty and me. The Queen and I have fun and laughter, but there is a serious side to my work in which challenging and difficult decisions have to be taken – split-second decisions sometimes. I have to be quick and think on my feet. But it’s all in a day’s work. Someone has to do it – and I’m so glad it’s me.

      I hope you enjoy reading this book as much as I did writing it. So, get yourself a cup of tea, sit down, put your feet up, and let me take you on a magical journey once again.

      With love,

       LETTER FROM SAMANTHA COHEN CVO

      29 October 2019

      This 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 decades: Angela Kelly.

      It gives a rare glimpse into the demands of the job of supporting the Monarch, designing Her Majesty’s clothes and hats, and matching them with exquisite Royal jewellery. Throughout her long reign, Her Majesty has become a fashion icon, renowned for her sense of style and understated elegance. Behind the scenes, Angela has worked quietly with her to create fashion that is unique, accessible to all, and allows The Queen to reflect the trends of the day subtly, and with grace.

      The book also reveals the lengthy preparations needed before important State occasions, such as the State Opening of Parliament. Most importantly, though, we gain privileged insight into a successful working relationship, characterised by humour, creativity, hard work, and a mutual commitment to service and duty.

      On the many occasions I have worked with Angela in preparing for an important overseas or regional visit in the United Kingdom with Her Majesty, I have been struck СКАЧАТЬ