Why The Queen Shares Her Shoes With One Woman

Queen Elizabeth II definitely doesn’t need any secondhand shoes. The monarch can buy all the footwear she wants, but she prefers someone else to break them in. That’s why all of Her Majesty’s shoes have been worn by someone else.

Angela Kelly has been the Queen’s dresser for years, and she has a new book out revealing all of the royal fashion secrets. In “The Other Side of the Coin: The Queen, the Dresser and the Wardrobe,” out Tuesday, Kelly reveals that she steps into the Queen’s shoes first.

“As has been reported a lot in the press, a flunky wears in Her Majesty’s shoes to ensure that they are comfortable and that she is always good to go. And yes, I am that flunky,” Kelly admits, according to an excerpt from Hello! Magazne.

Kelly explains that the monarch has a very busy schedule, and someone had to do it. Since they happen to be the same size, it was just the most reasonable option.

“The Queen has very little time to herself and not time to wear in her own shoes, and as we share the same shoe size it makes the most sense this way,” Kelly added.

Though it is not the most glamourous part of the job, at least Kelly is not forced to wear skyhigh heels. The sovereign reportedly wears heels no higher that 2.25 inches.

The Queen’s shoes almost always match her handbags. Those don’t need to be worn in, but it has been reported that the Queen has a very specific list of items she always needs to have her in purse. A crossword puzzle, ironed and folded bank notes and a suction-mounted bag hook are among the more interesting items.

Of course, any look that’s seen before 6 p.m. is usually topped off with a hat. Royal fans know that Her Majesty has very specific rules for headwear as well.