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

Angela Kelly was her Majesty's dresser for twenty-five years. As she points out, she didn't dress the Queen, the Queen could dress herself! Instead Kelly managed the Queen's wardrobe, selected or suggested what the Queen would wear whether for a normal work day or for an event, selected fabrics for new clothes, and eventually designed them. Although all of those things were interesting, what I liked most was learning about the warm relationship and mutual respect the two had for each other.

I have to admit I was a bit disappointed by this book. It sounded as if it was an in depth story of the relationship between the Queen and her dresser (assistant) but that's not what came across. First of all, Angela Kelly, the dresser, may be absolutely sensational at choosing fabrics and designs for the Queen, but she is no writer. Secondly, there was very little narrative about interaction with the Queen, there was more about discussions with designers and other staff. So if you want to know about how the Queen's wardrobe is acquired/designed/made, this book would be just right, but if you wanted more about the personal side of the Queen, no.

This was a serendipitous find at the library. Tremendously interesting and with lots of details that have never reached the media as well as wonderful photos and the stories behind them. The details about dressing The Queen for special events were fascinating. The book was published with The Queen's endorsement.

Angela Kelly has dressed the Queen for many years, and she shares some of her experiences. The book has some beautiful photographs of the Queen, many that I've not seen before. I enjoyed getting a glimpse of what it is like behind the scenes with the Queen. It was obvious that all the stories are told through the lens of protecting the Queen, however, which only makes sense since the Queen endorsed the book, and Ms. Kelly would not do anything to put the Queen in a bad light since she honestly adores her. I guess I was hoping for more juicy facts, but while those are absent, the book is very good.

This was good. I would have liked more about the clothes or personal stories and less bragging. The pictures and history were wonderful.

A fascinating account by the Queen's personal dresser and designer. Who knew that so much exacting detail happens in the background leading up to the Queen's public appearances? Afashionados and Anglophiles will pore over the color photos and descriptions of extraordinary hats, capes, dresses, formal wear and jewelry. The royals do not dress like you and me!

If you are a fan of the British royals, you will enjoy this book. If you are not, it will have very little to offer you. As a fan, I found it to be a delight.