Queen Elizabeth’s most trusted aide took on a “stressful” role during COVID-19 lockdowns: that of the monarch’spersonal hairstylist.
Angela Kelly has updated her bestselling bookThe Other Side Of The Coin: The Queen, the Dresser and the Wardrobeto include reflections on the Queen’s life during the coronavirus pandemic, including her taking on the role of cutting and setting the monarch’s hair.
Kelly admitted that she was nervous at first — and the Queen knew it.
“During the first two weeks, I was shaking,” she said. “I had only done her hair once or twice before while on board the Royal Yacht Britannia. The Queen was so kind as she advised me on the very specific way to put the rollers in.”
Queen Elizabeth’s address in April 2020.The Royal Family/Youtube
As Kelly grew more comfortable in her new duty, the Queen wasn’t afraid to voice her opinions.
“As I grew in confidence I’m sure The Queen thought I was a professional and started shouting at me, ‘Don’t do that, do it this way. That’s right, you’ve got it, don’t change it.’ I was thinking, goodness me, I need a gin and tonic,” Kelly said. “So while The Queen was under the dryer I said to her, ‘I’m off for a stiff drink because this is so stressful, getting it just right for you.’ "
After a “much-needed rest,” Kelly would return to the dressing home to style the Queen’s hair, using “a whole can of hairspray to make sure it lasted the week.”
“The routine was then set, and Lucy had a gin and tonic ready and waiting for me each time I came back upstairs,” she said.
Angela Kelly.JOHN STILLWELL/AFP via Getty Images
Kelly felt extra pressure for two appearances that were broadcast: in April 2020 when the Queen made a special address to the nation, and again for the monarch’s Christmas speech.
She added, “Zooming became part of The Queen’s life and Kelly’s Salon became very busy. Thankfully, I only had one client!”
Queen Elizabeth’s 2020 Christmas speech.Victoria Jones - WPA Pool/Getty
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According to publishers HarperCollins, the new chapter will capture the Royal Household’s isolation during the pandemic-enforced lockdowns at Windsor Castle (including how Kelly cut and set the Queen’s hair) and what went on behind the scenes of the monarch’s first public engagements as the lockdowns lifted.
Kelly began her career at Buckingham Palace 28 years ago as the Queen’s Senior Dresser and rose to become Her Majesty’s personal stylist, curator, wardrobe and in-house designer — and one of her closest confidantes.
The first edition of the book caused a sensation among royal fans as Kelly gave a rare behind-the-scenes look at the Queen’s style, including how Kelly cleans the Queen’s priceless jewels using gin and water. Kelly also revealed how one of the only times the Queen doesn’t do her own makeup is when she records her televised Christmas address. Since she wears the same shoe size as Her Majesty, Kellyalso breaks in the Queen’s shoes.
source: people.com
