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Queen Elizabeth’s Dressmaker Angela Kelly Reveals Her Majesty ‘Is Always Keen to Keep Costs Down’

By Kareena Koirala

Jan 07, 2020

06:00 A.M.

Queen Elizabeth doesn't let her royal status stop her from getting a good deal. She might have all the means in the world to afford any kind of dress, but she tries to keep the cost low anyways.

Queen Elizabeth is one of the longest-reigning monarchs in history. That means the world has seen her grow over the years and of course, noticed her fashion evolve.

The dressmaker behind the Queen's exquisite wardrobe, Angela Kelly, has been working with her for 25 years. She knows the royal's fashion preferences like no other and she is also familiar with her purchasing habits when it comes to fabrics and other materials.

Queen Elizabeth at The Royal Windsor Horse Show at Windsor Great Park, England in May 18, 2002. | Sources: Getty Images

In her book titled "The Other Side of the Coin: The Queen, the Dresser and the Wardrobe," Kelly explains how she is always keen to dig into the "bargain basket" when it comes to finding materials for the Queen's new ensembles.

The Queen famously prefers bright colors so whenever Kelly comes across something that could be used to assemble the next outfit for her, she tries to cut down the cost with some good negotiation.

Queen Elizabeth ll smiles during her visit to New Zealand part of her Silver Jubilee Year Tour in March of 1977. | Source: Getty Images

THE QUEEN'S AFFINITY FOR SINGAPOREAN FABRICS

In an excerpt from the book, the royal dressmaker gives readers a scoop on some interesting tidbits inside the royal family. In one such instance, she shares that the Queen is particularly fond of Singaporean fabric.

Kelly even shared an anecdote of how she almost missed a flight back home once when she was looking for a good silk deal in Singapore. She and the Queen's Ladies-in-Waiting had collected their parcels of silk and when they went to make the payment, the stall owners said that they could claim tax back on the purchase. It was something that the Queen would be happy about so they went for it.

Queen Elizabeth II attends a church service on the 59th anniversary of her accession to the throne on February 6, 2011 in King's Lynn, England. | Source: Getty Images

As Kelly was getting the tax back, a royal staff rushed up to her and said that the team was going to miss the flight. She ran back to the aircraft, flying up the steps.

As soon as she stepped inside, she shouted over the plane's engine that she got the tax back. According to her, the look on the Queen's face was priceless as Kelly handed her a refund.

Queen Elizabeth II leaves a thanksgiving service for a thanksgiving service for the Queen Mother and Princess Margaret at St George's Chapel on March 30, 2012. | Source: Getty Images

SHE REPEATS HER OUTFITS

Her Majesty never hesitates to repeat her outfits. While her team is careful to make sure that the outfits aren't repeated, she likes to mix and match her outfits according to the color every now and then.

It is no secret that the Queen is fond of wearing dresses, but what many of the royal fans might not know is that she has only been seen wearing trousers once.

Queen Elizabeth II attends the Order of the Bath service at Westminster Abbey in 1990 ca. in London, England. | Source: Getty Images

During the Royal Tour of Canada in 1970, the Queen was photographed wearing a pair of trousers for the first time.

The matte-silk trouser was made by the dressmaker Ian Thomas to give the royal's outfit a modern touch. Another interesting fact about her dressing habits is that she has a matching umbrella for every outfit.