Mary Angela Kelly, CVO (born 4 November 1957) is a British fashion designer, dressmaker, and milliner, who served as Personal Assistant and Senior Dresser to Queen Elizabeth II from 1993 until the monarch's death in 2022.
Liverpool-born Ms Kelly, who worked for the late Queen for more than 25 years, told friends on Instagram last month that she was moving north. She wrote: “Getting ready to say goodbye. I am moving at last to my new home, which I will be able to call My Home at last.
But traditionally, queens also have ladies-in-waiting, aka a group of friends whose literal job is to chill with them. Ladies-in-waiting traditionally accompany a queen on overseas trips, help manage her correspondence, and are just generally there for companionship.
Angela Kelly, Queen Elizabeth II's right-hand woman, is leaving her house in Windsor to start a new life in the Peak District.
Dame Frances had served as lady-in-waiting to the Queen Mother from 1965 to 2002, and published two books in her lifetime. A family friend reportedly told the Daily Mail: 'Lady Susan was formally asked to represent the Princess Royal at the service. She was more than happy to do so.
The establishment was supplemented by 'extra' Women of the Bedchamber, who might take turns on a more occasional basis. At the time of her death, the Women of the Bedchamber to Queen Elizabeth II included Lady Susan Hussey and The Hon.
In the Royal Households of the United Kingdom, a lady-in-waiting is a woman attending a female member of the Royal Family. Ladies-in-waiting are routinely appointed by junior female members of the Royal Family, to accompany them on public engagements and provide other support and assistance.
Martin Charteris, Baron Charteris of Amisfield.
When Queen Elizabeth I was 29, in 1562, she was struck down with what was believed to be a violent fever. Ordered by doctors to remain in her bed at Hampton Court Palace, it was soon clear that her illness was more than just a fever — she had the dreaded smallpox.
Each King or Queen faces in the opposite direction to the one who came before them - which is why King Charles is pictured facing left. The Queen's father George VI had faced left on his coins, so tradition demanded her portrait face right.
The role is not typically paid, and it has been reported that Lady Hussey was not given a salary during her time in the position, instead serving the Queen out of loyalty. The Queen had at least five ladies in waiting during her reign, including Lady Hussey.
In Britain, ladies-in-waiting are titled noblewomen who serve not only the queen, but also high-ranking women in the royal household. Kate Middleton has one, while the queen's sister Princess Margaret had many.
Ladies-in-waiting performed intimate duties such as putting on and removing the queen's clothing and bathing her. They were expected to put her needs above those of their own husbands and children. They spent most of the day with the queen and provided her with companionship and entertainment in her private chambers.
In an unprecedented move, the queen gave Kelly permission to write a series of three books. Two of these have been published but the third is apparently now on ice after she reportedly agreed to sign a gag order in return for the new home.
“Items from the Queen's personal collection would have been passed to her family members with each chosen personally by Her Majesty. Like any treasured heirloom, these are certainly very special pieces,” Ross stated.
Mary Angela Kelly, CVO (born 4 November 1957) is a British fashion designer, dressmaker, and milliner, who served as Personal Assistant and Senior Dresser to Queen Elizabeth II from 1993 until the monarch's death in 2022.
A new biography of Queen Elizabeth II has revealed the monarch was suffering from bone marrow cancer before her death.
Smallpox left many scars and blemishes on her skin. In her youth, Elizabeth used little makeup, but after her battle with smallpox, she began to wear more makeup, creating what we think of today as her iconic look.
The late monarch's closest adviser, Angela Kelly, and other Royal Household staff were made members of the Royal Victorian Order. Ms Kelly, 65, served as Her Majesty's personal assistant and senior dresser for 20 years until the monarch's death in September.
Incumbent
As of 2023 the position has been held exclusively by men. One woman has served as both Deputy and Assistant Private Secretary and an additional two women have served as Assistant Private Secretaries. The current Private Secretary position is held by Sir Clive Alderton.
/ˈkɔrdiər/ Other forms: courtiers. A courtier is someone who serves as an attendant or assistant to a member of a royal family. Among the courtiers of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II is Edward Young, her private secretary.
The ladies in waiting did not live at the Royal residences on a permanent basis. However, if their duties required they would stay in Royal apartments in London or within Buckingham Palace to be near the Queen, The National reports. Ladies in waiting have been a part of Royal life since the 15th century.
Angela Kelly, who has worked for the Queen since 1994 and has served as her personal assistant and senior dresser for over two decades, was spotted among the many famous mourners honoring the Queen.
They fulfil their roles out of personal loyalty to the Queen, with companionship one of their most important duties. Notably, they come from wealthy families and as such are able to work without pay.