Angela Kelly - The Other Side of the Coin

FOREWORD BY STEWART PARVIN MVO

PROLOGUE

Chapter 1: Dressing The Queen

Chapter 2: Our Working Year

Chapter 3: The Eyes of the Nation

Chapter 4: On the Move

Chapter 5: The Eyes of the World

Chapter 6: The Things We Do For Fun

CONCLUSION

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

PICTURE CREDITS

ABOUT THE PUBLISHER

DEDICATION

Your Majesty,

With humble respect I would like to dedicate my second book to you for allowing me to write about our personal working relationship that has grown over many years, and allowing me to share the details of it and to describe how we have come together on a trusted personal level. I will always be truly grateful. I cherish the time you have allowed me to have with you and the friendship you have shown me.

With love and gratitude,

Angela x

I would also like to dedicate this book to my wonderful family: Frank and Nicola Wylie, Paul and Sarah Wylie, Michelle and Simon Anson, and to my very special grandchildren – James and Scarlett Anson, Alex and Jacob Wylie. You have shared the experiences and the journeys with me and you have inspired me all the way to write this book. I could not have done it without you. I thank you so much for all the love, support and advice you give to me and in return I give you all my love and more.

The lesson you all taught me was: never underestimate young minds.

I love you, Granny x x x x

A letter from Angela’s grandson Jacob Wylie

Growing up in Windsor was an immense experience. The sheer bliss, peace and quiet and nature all around you. I am truly grateful to have been able to grow up in a place with such elegance and beauty, all thanks to my granny’s amazing accomplishment. Not many people can say, ‘My granny works for The Queen.’ Every time the subject is brought up I can’t help but brag about my tremendous gran and how proud I am of her. Her triumphs only get bigger and it renders me speechless; the stories and experiences she tells me about her working days astonish me, I could listen for hours. Words don’t even come close to describing how proud I am of my granny!

As I have grown up in Windsor since I was only a couple of weeks old, Windsor is a home for me, in the cosy cottage with the fire and the enormous grounds that lie around it. Ever since me and my brother were little kids, we were both curious about where the roads and paths would lead us, and we would go wandering off for hours exploring the river, bat caves, monkey puzzle tree, farm and bamboo trees. Staying in Windsor or Buckingham Palace is always the highlight of my week, and meeting The Queen is always a dream come true that I am grateful to enjoy. I am enormously proud of my granny and can’t wait to see her future endeavours.

Sincerely,

Jacob Wylie, age 15

A letter from Angela’s grandson Alex P. Wylie

I would just like to say how proud I am of my granny of what she has achieved. All through the fifteen years of my life, actually since my twin, Jacob, and I were a few months old, we have stayed in Marlborough House apartment, and then, when Granny moved to Windsor, into her cottage. We still stay to this day in Windsor and sometimes in Buckingham Palace.

As you can imagine I have the fondest memories that will never leave me. Visiting my gran in the summer is great. I remember on one occasion, when my brother and I were around twelve years old, every evening we would set out walking and I smile now thinking of how many alarms we set off in the grounds of Windsor Castle while we went exploring, looking into the bat caves and many other exciting places, steeped in history.

On another occasion we were playing in The Splash, which is a shallow part of a stream close to the cottage, although The Queen often goes there when she is in Windsor. As Her Majesty got closer she recognised us both, as she knew we were staying at Granny’s cottage. But so did the corgis. They came running up and started chasing us. They were very playful and they soon started playing in the water. Once again words can’t describe how proud I am of my granny for giving us so many magical moments.The memories will remain with me for ever and although we have grown up now, going to Granny’s is special.

Regards,

Alex P. Wylie, age 15

A letter from Angela’s grandson James Anson

When I read of or see my grandmother’s accomplishments, I feel both immense pride for her, and also a strong sense of inspiration in regards to my own goals. It often makes me realise how fortunate I am to be related to someone so talented in their work.

I was fortunate enough, in fact, to spend a lot of time in my childhood at places such as Marlborough House, Buckingham Palace, and Windsor Castle, and I’m thankful not only to be able to have access to such iconic institutions, but also to have made brilliant memories there. One of my favourite places to visit during my childhood was St James’s Park. I still enjoy going there in winter to see the Smews.

I am personally a massive fan of history; I aim to study history at university. In truth, I do owe a vast amount of my love for history to the fact that I have had access to some amazing places of great historical value for my entire life. I’ve formed my own memories in these places as well; memories I will treasure for many years. I realise how unique a position I am in and I’m very grateful to my grandmother for this.

James W. Anson, age 18

A letter from Angela’s granddaughter Scarlett Anson

I have always enjoyed watching Granny work and talking with her about her latest design or projects. I’ve been privileged to see and feel some of the fabrics that have gone on to become outfits. I also spend a lot my time drawing and painting, but I like concept art for video games. I enjoy character design and created my own characters based on myself and people I have read about in books. Granny has inspired me with her skills in colour matching and creating designs so I love to show her my art work to get her feedback.