Queen Elizabeth II’s beloved dresser and confidante Angela Kelly has been recognized in King Charles’s special honours list marking the death of his mother, although some were surprised to note that she missed out on a top award.
Ms Kelly, the Personal Assistant, Adviser and Curator to Her Majesty, was recognized on the ‘Demise’ honours list, alongside hundreds who played a significant role in her state funeral last September.
Among those on the honours list are members of the RAF flight crew who brought her coffin down to London from Scotland, military coffin bearers and the funeral organizers.
Ms Kelly has been upgraded to a CVO, or Commander of the Royal Victorian Order, rather than a DCVO, or Dame Commander.
One insider has considered the move might have been deliberate, as some in the royal household were said to be “jealous” of Ms Kelly’s favour with the Queen.
Born in Liverpool and the daughter of a dock worker, Ms Kelly served the Queen from 2002 until her death 20 years later, and Her Majesty was known to have a strong bond with her.
Last year the Daily Mail reported Ms Kelly retained a grace-and-favour house on the Windsor estate, however, the locks were changed on the Queen’s apartments not long after her death meaning the dresser could not gain access.
Some have also speculated Ms Kelly may write a book about her experiences and go on the chat show circuit in the US.
The recipients of the Demise awards are decided upon by a committee of five senior officials, with their choices signed off by the King.
