Even though her royal title comes with a life of privilege, Queen Elizabeth II still clings to a few routines that keep her grounded. Thanks to Angela Kelly, the queen's trusted dressmaker of 25 years, we now know some of the fascinating details about Her Majesty's beauty rituals. In her revealing new book, The Other Side of the Coin: The Queen, the Dresser and the Wardrobe, Angela shares how the queen prefers to handle her own makeup, except for one special occasion.
Angela, who’s been creating stunning outfits for the queen for over two decades, explains that Elizabeth has a strong preference for doing her own makeup. The only exception? The queen’s annual Christmas speech. For this significant event, she invites renowned makeup artist Marilyn Widdess to help her look her best in front of millions of viewers. This annual tradition highlights the queen’s preference for maintaining her personal touch on her everyday appearance.
Her Majesty's Makeup Routine

Angela writes in her book, "You might be surprised to learn that the queen’s Christmas speech is the only time during the year when she lets someone else handle her makeup." The queen has a special arrangement for Marilyn Widdess to assist her on this day. For all other public appearances, Elizabeth insists on doing her own makeup, showing her preference for personal control over her appearance.
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Shopping Like the Rest of Us
Believe it or not, the queen enjoys shopping at thrift stores, thanks to Angela's resourcefulness. Angela, who has been Her Majesty's personal assistant and senior dresser since 2002, shares how she frequently visits thrift shops to find unique fabrics for the queen's wardrobe. "I always check the bargain basket for vibrant fabrics," Angela reveals, adding that Elizabeth has a soft spot for bright colors. Even though the queen herself doesn’t physically shop at these stores, Angela ensures that every trip brings back something special for Buckingham Palace.

Frugality Meets Royalty
Even with an estimated net worth of around $500 million, Elizabeth is known for her frugal ways. Last month, a source close to the royal family told Closer Weekly that the queen is meticulous about not wasting resources. Paul Burrell, Princess Diana’s former butler, shared with Closer that the queen often walks through the corridors of her homes, turning off lights to conserve energy. "She doesn’t like wasting anything, from paper and ribbons to rubber bands," Paul explained.
As we approach the holiday season, anticipation builds for Elizabeth's annual Christmas speech, a tradition that highlights her connection with the public. It’s fascinating to see how this iconic monarch balances her royal duties with personal touches that keep her grounded.


