**Queen Elizabeth II’s Unique Approach to the Imperial State Crown: Insights from Her Stylist**
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/queen-elizabeth-II-040726-3-d2f74ad0990b4a42bebea125e8b1b39a.jpg)
In a recent interview with Vanity Fair, former royal official Sir Andrew Ford revealed fascinating details about the late Queen Elizabeth II’s relationship with her most iconic headpiece, the Imperial State Crown. The crown, weighing a substantial three pounds, was a significant part of the Queen’s ceremonial attire, particularly during the State Opening of Parliament.
Sir Andrew Ford, who served as the comptroller of the Royal Household, recounted how the Queen prepared for such significant events. Remarkably, in the lead-up to the State Opening of Parliament, she would don the Imperial State Crown at her desk to get accustomed to its weight. “I remember her telling me, ‘It’s very heavy, you know,’” Ford reminisced, highlighting the gravity of the crown, both literally and symbolically, for the sovereign.
The Queen last wore this magnificent crown publicly in 2016 at the age of 90, during her final State Opening appearance. Following this event, she opted for the lighter Diamond Diadem or various hats for subsequent parliamentary sessions. Traditionally, the Imperial State Crown would accompany her, proudly displayed on a cushion beside her during these occasions.
Much of Ford’s insights were drawn from a narrative shared by Angela Kelly, the Queen’s longtime stylist and aide, who spoke fondly about her relationship with the monarch. Having joined the royal household in 1994, Kelly ascended to become the Queen’s chief dresser and confidante over 28 years of dedicated service. She played a pivotal role in modernising the Queen’s wardrobe, introducing brighter colours and updating her style.
In the interview, Kelly shared an amusing anecdote about their early interactions. “I told her, ‘Your Majesty, you have good legs. Let’s show them off,'” she laughed, recalling how she encouraged the Queen to raise the hems of her dresses. This shift in style was illustrative of the trust and collaboration that developed between them as Kelly helped to shape the Queen’s fashion identity.
Fashion designer Stewart Parvin echoed Kelly’s sentiments, noting the Queen’s newfound confidence when working with her stylist. “Angela gave the Queen confidence, and the Queen was just more relaxed when Angela was there,” he remarked, reflecting on how their unique bond positively influenced the Queen’s public persona. Their collaborations produced some memorable ensembles, including the striking neon green outfit worn by the Queen during her 90th birthday celebrations.
Beyond fashion, Kelly also supported the Queen during challenging times, including her periods of isolation at Windsor Castle during the COVID-19 pandemic. Cherishing their time together, she highlighted that while the Queen was focused primarily on her responsibilities as a monarch, she was aware of the importance of her public image, stating, “The Queen preferred people to focus on her speeches rather than her clothes.”
Despite often being regarded as a fashion icon, the Queen herself did not define her identity through fashion trends. Rather, she recognised that her clothing choices conveyed messages of stability and tradition, an understanding that was essential in her role as a national figure.
Reflecting on the upcoming centenary of the Queen’s birth on 21 April, the interview served as a poignant reminder of her enduring presence and the personal connections she cultivated throughout her reign. Angela Kelly’s insights shed light on not only the Queen’s wardrobe but also on a remarkable relationship that bridged tradition with a modern sensibility, illustrating how style can complement the dignity and grace expected of royalty.
In a sense, the reflections from those closest to the Queen reinforce her legacy as not just a ruler but also as a woman who embraced her identity within the royal framework, navigating both the weight of the crown she wore and the expectations that came with her position.