The Other Side of the Coin

Book 3 of my 2020 Reading Challenge

read from January 5 - 13

The Other Side of the Coin: The Queen, the Dresser, and the Wardrobe

by Angela Kelly

Summary (via Goodreads)

published 2019

When Angela Kelly and The Queen are together, laughter echoes through the corridors of Buckingham Palace.

Angela has worked with The Queen and walked the corridors of the Royal Household for twenty-five years, initially as Her Majesty’s Senior Dresser and then latterly as Her Majesty’s Personal Advisor, Curator, Wardrobe and In-house Designer. As the first person in history to hold this title, she shares a uniquely close working relationship with The Queen.

In The Other Side of the Coin, The Queen has personally given Angela her blessing to share their extraordinary bond with the world. Whether it’s preparing for a formal occasion or brightening Her Majesty’s day with a playful joke, Angela’s priority is to serve and support. Sharing never-before-seen photographs – many from Angela’s own private collection – and charming anecdotes of their time spent together, this revealing book provides memorable insights into what it’s like to work closely with The Queen, to curate her wardrobe and to discover a true and lasting connection along the way.

My Opinion

3 stars

I was given this book as a gift because of my fascination with the Royal Family.  Even though she did a good job honoring the confidentiality of her job there were more "behind-the scenes" stories than I expected and I was pleasantly surprised at the new information I learned.  Her love of the job comes through in the stories and in the thought she puts into each outfit; there is so much to consider to make sure The Queen is appropriately dressed in multiple weather/culture scenarios.

I don't have a huge interest in fashion but the details were interesting.  There were lots of little things that I'd never thought of before concerning both the making of the garments and the logistics of The Queen needing to change clothes for multiple events in a day.  It also made me think of just how many people shift their lives completely to work for The Queen, especially considering the travel responsibilities.  The author conveyed her love for her children and grandchildren but I'm sure there were many sacrifices made over the years for her job.

The author mentioned in her acknowledgments recording an audio version of this book and I don't think that would be a good option in this case because of all the photos involved that add so much to the stories.

Quote from the Book

"It's at a moment like that - sharing a joke with Her Majesty while on a visit to one of the most beautiful countries in the world - that I truly appreciate how lucky I am to work for someone with such a great sense of humor."