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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Jennifer Newton

Queen's right-hand woman to reveal how monarch coped with Philip's funeral in tell-all book

The Queen has given her blessing for her right-hand woman to release an updated version of her book where she shares her secrets about working for the Royal Family.

Angela Kelly has been the monarch's personal advisor and senior dresser, working with her closely every day, for almost 30 years.

In 2019, she released the book - The Other Side of the Coin - which featured never before seen behind-the-scenes photos and insider information about life at Buckingham Palace.

And now it has been announced that an updated version of the book is to be released next month to coincide with Her Majesty's Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

The Queen with Vogue editor Anna Wintour and her dresser Angela Kelly (far right) (Getty Images)

According to the publisher Harper Collins, the updated book will feature new photographs as well as a brand new chapter.

Covered in this chapter, Angela will talk about the royal household's isolation during Covid-19 lockdown at Windsor Castle, which saw her taking on new roles such as cutting and setting the Queen's hair.

The chapter will also cover Prince Philip's funeral, the Queen's first public engagement post-lockdown and a look ahead to June's Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

Katya Shipster from Harper Collins said: "We are so proud to be Angela Kelly's publishers. We wanted to commemorate the extraordinary occasion of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee with this beautiful new edition, as well as bring the book right up to date following the unprecedented events of the past two years.

Angela is releasing an updated version of her book The Other Side of the Coin (PA)
Angela has worked for the Queen for almost 30 years (Getty Images)

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"It tells the story of the Royal bubble as well as the lengths Angela and the Royal Household went to, to ensure the safety of our monarch. There is no better look at what goes on behind the pomp and circumstance than this wonderful book."

Ms Kelly is the first member of the royal staff to be given this kind of permission from the monarch to release a book.

The Queen addresses the nation during the coronavirus lockdown in April 2020 (BUCKINGHAM PALACE/AFP via Getty)

Her official title is personal assistant, adviser, and curator (jewellery, insignias, and wardrobe), but behind closed doors, she is more importantly a trusted confidante and friend.

And it is said that when the Queen tells staff she is "stepping out for a bit" it is actually royal code for her popping to see Ms Kelly.

"We are two typical women," Ms Kelly told The Telegraph in a rare interview in 2007.

"We discuss clothes, make-up, jewellery. We say, 'Would this piece of jewellery look nice with that outfit?', and things like that."

Their close relationship has however reportedly caused jealousy among other members of staff, with Ms Kelly joking: "I don't have any more room for knives in my back."

In the past, Ms Kelly has only given a handful of interviews but when she has spoken out publicly, she has gushed about her unwavering affection for her boss.

She has described how much she "adores" the monarch and is "so proud of her".

The updated version of The Other Side of the Coin by Angela Kelly will be released on May 12.

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