Queen Elizabeth II's Personal Dresser Recalls Monarch's Joyful Disco Moments
Angela Kelly, the late Queen Elizabeth II's trusted dresser and confidante, has shared heartwarming insights into the monarch's private life, revealing her love for dancing and singing to ABBA hits. In a recent interview with Vanity Fair, Ms Kelly, who served the Queen for over 25 years, described Elizabeth II as "my best friend" and a "really cool granny," offering a rare glimpse behind palace doors.
Dancing Queen: Elizabeth II's ABBA Enthusiasm
Ms Kelly recalled how the Queen, who passed away on September 8, 2022, would instinctively move "from side to side" whenever ABBA's iconic song "Dancing Queen" played on the radio. These morning rituals often involved listening to BBC Radio 2's Terry Wogan show while helping the monarch get dressed. "When the song came on, she loved it, and both of us would dance," Ms Kelly said. "Her Majesty loved singing and had a good voice. I didn't. I'd get carried away and be dancing all round her like I was at a disco, and the Queen would tell me to 'move over' because I can't sing and we laughed."
She emphasized these were "moments to cherish, to see the Queen so relaxed," highlighting a side of Elizabeth II rarely seen by the public.
From Liverpool to Palace: Angela Kelly's Royal Journey
The daughter of a docker and seamstress from Liverpool, Angela Kelly began her royal service in 1994 as an Assistant Dresser. She steadily climbed the ranks, becoming the Queen's personal assistant and senior dresser by 2002. Known for her bubbly personality and hard work, Ms Kelly played a crucial role in keeping the Queen's style contemporary, even adding touches like Swarovski crystals to a pair of 3D glasses worn during a 2010 film demonstration in Canada.
Over the years, the Queen granted Ms Kelly increasing creative freedom in crafting her looks for events, valuing her assistant's opinion on fashion, makeup, and jewelry. "We are two typical women. We discuss clothes, make-up, jewellery," Ms Kelly once disclosed, noting they also shared a strong sense of humour and "great banter."
Family Life and Informal Moments at Balmoral
Beyond her duties, the Queen cherished her role as a grandmother and enjoyed simple pleasures during family holidays at Balmoral Castle. Ms Kelly revealed that Elizabeth II would often "wash the dishes" even when entertaining the Prime Minister, and found humour in moments like Prince Philip burning burgers during barbecues. "If the Duke, or whoever was cooking, burned the burgers, she'd just laugh. The Queen was just full of energy and a really cool granny, to be honest," Ms Kelly added.
Her Easter decorations included "fluffy chicks and chocolate eggs," showcasing the monarch's playful side. During the COVID-19 lockdown, Ms Kelly was part of the small "HMS Bubble" household that isolated with the Queen, further cementing their bond.
A Lasting Friendship and Heartfelt Tributes
Ms Kelly, now 68 and living in Sheffield, remained by the Queen's side until her death nearly four years ago. In March 2023, she was appointed a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order in recognition of her dedicated service. The following month, King Charles III secretly gifted her a new home to honour a promise made by his mother, after Ms Kelly was initially asked to vacate her cottage on the Windsor estate.
Reflecting on their final moments, Ms Kelly shared in September 2024 that she told the Queen "I love you" and "kissed her goodbye" before her passing. On Instagram Stories, she posted a poignant message: "It has been a long two years since I kissed you goodbye. I told you that I loved you and I still don't know why... every anniversary will still break my heart."
She concluded with a tribute to the Queen's enduring influence: "Patience is a virtue you passed down to me. I have waited and now I can see. You sent a guardian angel to help me through. You sent your strength down to me. My time has come and now I am free."
