Where to Start with Angela Kelly’s Royal Memoirs
If you are looking to step behind the velvet ropes of Buckingham Palace, the books of Angela Kelly offer an unparalleled, officially sanctioned glimpse. Unlike typical royal biographies or speculative tell-alls, Kelly’s works focus specifically on the visual identity of Queen Elizabeth II, detailing the meticulous preparation, protocol, and personal warmth that defined their 28-year working relationship. Because she wrote only two main volumes, the reading path is straightforward but highly rewarding depending on what you want to experience first.
For the absolute best experience, we recommend starting with The Other Side of the Coin: The Queen, the Dresser and the Wardrobe (specifically the updated 2022 Platinum Edition). This is the more narrative, anecdote-rich, and emotionally grounding of the two books. It details how a working-class woman from Liverpool became one of the Queen's closest confidantes, sharing personal stories that range from the hilarious (such as wearing in the Queen's shoes) to the historic (styling the Queen for her famous James Bond sketch at the 2012 Olympics). Once you have fallen in love with the human stories behind the monarchy, you can dive into the technical details and glorious photography of Dressing the Queen: The Jubilee Wardrobe to marvel at the high-stakes logistics of dressing a global icon.
Publication Order of Angela Kelly’s Books
While Angela Kelly has spent nearly three decades in the royal household, her publishing career spans a decade, focusing on key milestones of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign. Here is the chronological publication order of her works:
- Dressing the Queen: The Jubilee Wardrobe (Published: 2012/2013)
- The Other Side of the Coin: The Queen, the Dresser and the Wardrobe (Published: 2019)
- The Other Side of the Coin: The Queen, the Dresser and the Wardrobe (Platinum Edition) (Published: 2022)
Detailed Guide to the Books
Dressing the Queen: The Jubilee Wardrobe (2012/2013)
First published to celebrate the historic Diamond Jubilee, this lavishly illustrated book is a dream come true for fashion historians and royal enthusiasts alike. Rather than focusing on daily palace life, it concentrates on the planning, design, and execution of the Queen's wardrobe during one of her busiest and most public years. Kelly details how she researched color palettes to ensure the Queen remained highly visible in massive crowds, how she selected weights of fabrics to withstand unpredictable British weather, and how she paid homage to host nations and cultures through subtle embroidery and accessories. Note that while some databases and retailers list the publication year as 2012 (matching the Jubilee itself), print editions widely circulated in early 2013.
The Other Side of the Coin: The Queen, the Dresser and the Wardrobe (2019)
This book represents a landmark in royal publishing: Angela Kelly was the first serving member of the Royal Household to receive explicit, official permission from Queen Elizabeth II to write a book about their working relationship. Spanning 25 years of service, this memoir is packed with never-before-seen private photographs and warm, firsthand accounts of the Queen’s personality. It presents Her Majesty not just as a head of state, but as a warm, funny, and down-to-earth woman who valued loyalty, humor, and craft.
Understanding the Platinum Edition (2022) Upgrades
If you are looking to purchase or borrow The Other Side of the Coin, it is highly recommended to seek out the Platinum Edition published in May 2022. Released to commemorate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee shortly before her passing, this updated edition is not just a reprint. It includes an entirely new chapter and updated photography that captures some of the most historic moments of the Queen's final years. Crucially, it documents life inside "HMS Bubble"—the locked-down household at Windsor Castle during the COVID-19 pandemic—revealing how Kelly took on the role of cutting and styling the Queen's hair when outside staff could not enter. It also features moving reflections on the funeral of Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, and the preparations for the Platinum Jubilee.
What to Know Before You Start: Tone, Context, and Royal Approvals
Before diving into Kelly's books, there are a few important details that will help you appreciate her perspective:
- Authorized Nature: Because these books were fully approved by the Queen, they do not contain scandalous gossip or breach of privacy. Instead, the tone is deeply loyal, respectful, and celebratory. The focus remains on craftsmanship, fashion, and mutual respect.
- Visual Focus: Both books are highly visual. They function as hybrid memoirs and coffee-table books, featuring high-quality photography of fabrics, dress patterns, jewelry, and candid behind-the-scenes moments.
- The Liverpool Connection: A recurrent and charming theme is Kelly's working-class Liverpool roots. Her journey from a humble background to the inner sanctum of the royal family is a testament to her work ethic and natural creative eye, adding an inspiring, human layer to the narrative.