Queen's Trusted Dresser Recalls Playful Prank That Sparked Royal Laughter
As the centenary of the late Queen Elizabeth II's birth approaches, a major exhibition showcasing her remarkable wardrobe has opened at Buckingham Palace. Among the highlights are designs by Angela Kelly, the monarch's personal dresser who once described herself as the Queen's "best friend." Kelly worked closely with Her Majesty for nearly three decades, creating many of her most vibrant and memorable outfits while becoming one of her most trusted confidantes.
A Close Bond Forged Over Tea and Grandchildren
The relationship between the Queen and her dresser was famously warm and informal. They would often share cups of tea while chatting about "anything and everything," exchanging jokes and anecdotes about their grandchildren. This unique bond allowed Kelly to publish two books with the Queen's blessing, detailing her experiences curating the royal wardrobe, designing iconic looks, and caring for precious jewellery.
The Infamous Australian Prank
In her book The Other Side of the Coin, Kelly reveals a particularly amusing incident from the 2006 royal tour of Australia. During the visit, the Queen expressed a strong desire to see a kookaburra, the distinctive Australian bird known for its laughing call. Despite her efforts, Her Majesty struggled to spot one in the wild.
Kelly discovered a cuddly toy version at a Sydney market and decided to purchase it as a gift. However, she couldn't resist turning the presentation into an elaborate April Fool's joke. Returning to Government House where the royal party was staying, she placed the toy in a small cage on her balcony.
"I had something in mind I thought the Queen would enjoy," Kelly writes. She then informed the monarch that she had spotted a "funny-looking grey bird" through the window. The Queen excitedly looked outside and exclaimed, "It's a kookaburra!"
"You're Sacked!" - The Queen's Witty Response
When Kelly moved to open the cage doors, the Queen urgently stopped her, saying loudly, "No! Don't do that! It will fly away!" and rushed to her side. Maintaining a straight face, Kelly solemnly informed Her Majesty that the bird was dead. The Queen looked "horrified" until her dresser walked toward her with outstretched arms and declared, "April Fool."
Kelly explains the royal reaction: "She had only two words for me: 'You're sacked.' I was laughing uncontrollably as Her Majesty turned to His Royal Highness and said, 'Do you know what she has just done to me? Angela has had me!'"
The Queen apparently appreciated the joke enough to keep the toy kookaburra, taking it back to Windsor Castle where it resided on the back of her private living room sofa.
Life After Royal Service
Since Queen Elizabeth II's passing, Kelly has experienced significant changes in her circumstances. She has lost her grace-and-favour home on the Windsor estate and informed her Instagram followers that she is "getting ready to say goodbye" as she prepares to move to a new home in the Peak District near Sheffield, provided by King Charles III. She noted that her work phone had been disconnected and she has had minimal contact with the Palace since her departure.
Cherished Memories of a "Cool Granny"
Despite the distance, Kelly fondly remembers the lighter moments with the late Queen. She recently told Vanity Fair about their morning ritual of listening to Terry Wogan's Radio 2 show. When ABBA's "Dancing Queen" played, both women would dance together, with the Queen moving from side to side while singing along.
"Her Majesty loved singing and had a good voice. I didn't," Kelly admitted. "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. They were moments to cherish, to see the queen so relaxed."
Kelly also reminisced about Easter holidays at Windsor, describing the Queen as a "really cool granny" who enjoyed family barbecues, took her great-grandchildren riding or walking, and even washed dishes after entertaining the prime minister.
A Lasting Legacy in Fabric and Memory
Six of Kelly's creations for the Queen are currently featured in the Buckingham Palace exhibition "Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style," ensuring her contributions to royal fashion remain part of the historical record. As the anniversary of the Queen's birth approaches, these stories of laughter, pranks, and everyday moments offer a rare glimpse into the human side of a monarch who captivated the world for seven decades.
