Ahead of what would have been the late Queen Elizabeth’s 100th birthday, a former aide is sharing some charming memories.
The queen’s personal stylist and dresser, Angela Kelly, revealed that Elizabeth was fond of the Swedish pop group ABBA. Angela wokred for the queen from 1994 until her death in 2022.
“Every morning, the Queen would listen to the Terry Wogan show on Radio 2,” Angela said. “When the song ‘Dancing Queen’ came on, she loved it. Both of us would dance.”
A stylist revealed the late monarch enjoyed dancing to ABBA’s Dancing Queen
“The Queen would move from side to side and sing,” Angela told Vanity Fair. “Her Majesty loved singing and had a good voice … 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.”
Over the 28 years that she worked for the monarch, Angela and her boss grew close. Her Majesty’s dresser became both “revered and feared” in the royal fold. She earned the nickname “AK-47” after the assault rifle due to her influence with the queen. Angela was also credited with revamping the monarch’s signature wardrobe.
Furthermore, Angela joked that she once suggested to Elizabeth, “Your Majesty, you have good legs. Let’s show them off.” Afterwards, her hems were raised.
By the time she died, Queen Elizabeth was known for her candy-colored dresses and matching hats. The bright colors were famously chosen to make sure she’d be seen in a crowd.
Her loyal stylist/dresser/designer was with the queen until the very end. Angela was the one who dressed her for her final journey to Windsor Castle, after her death at 96. She was also an honored guest at the state funeral.
During her time with Elizabeth, Angela was appointed as a Member of the Royal Victorian Order in 2006, Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order in 2012 and Commander of the Royal Victorian Order in 2023, in recognition of her royal service.
“The Queen was my best friend, and I miss her every day,” Angela admitted.
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