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

The Other Side of the Coin provides an insider account of working with Queen Elizabeth II, written by her personal dresser and confidante Angela Kelly. The book details Kelly's role in managing the Queen's wardrobe and personal styling over more than two decades of service. Kelly shares behind-the-scenes information about royal fashion, protocol, and the complex logistics of dressing one of the world's most photographed women. The narrative includes details about outfit planning for state events, the significance of the Queen's jewelry collection, and the careful consideration given to diplomatic dress codes. The book features photographs and sketches from the royal archives, along with Kelly's personal anecdotes from her time working in close proximity to the monarch. Her perspective encompasses both professional duties and moments of personal connection within the royal household. This memoir offers insight into the intersection of tradition, duty and the human elements of royal life through the lens of personal service. The relationship between monarch and staff member reveals broader themes about trust, discretion, and the evolution of the British monarchy in modern times.

Readers note this book offers a behind-the-scenes perspective on the Queen's wardrobe and daily life, though many found it more superficial than expected. Liked: - Personal photos and details about royal outfits - Stories about the Queen's sense of humor - Insights into the working relationship between Kelly and the Queen - Descriptions of royal protocol and traditions Disliked: - Too focused on the author rather than the Queen - Writing style called "self-aggrandizing" by multiple reviewers - Many felt Kelly broke royal trust by publishing private details - Limited depth beyond fashion and clothing Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon UK: 4.5/5 (3,200+ ratings) Amazon US: 4.4/5 (1,900+ ratings) Common review quote: "More about Angela Kelly than the Queen, but interesting glimpses into palace life." Several readers noted the book works better as a coffee table book for royal fashion enthusiasts than a meaningful memoir.

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🔹 Angela Kelly worked as Queen Elizabeth II's Personal Assistant and Senior Dresser for over 25 years, starting her royal service in 1994 after a chance meeting with the Queen's personal protection officer. 🔹 The book is unique because it was the first time the Queen gave permission to a serving member of the Royal Household to write about their working relationship, and Her Majesty personally approved every page. 🔹 Kelly reveals that she would wear in the Queen's new shoes before important events to ensure they were comfortable, as she and the Queen shared the same shoe size. 🔹 The book details how Kelly and her team would carefully pack the Queen's outfits in color-coded bags and create detailed spreadsheets to track every item worn during royal tours. 🔹 Before publishing, Kelly had to sign an agreement stating she would never write about personal details of the Royal Family or her life after the Queen's passing, focusing solely on her professional relationship with the monarch.