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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Rebecca Russell

Queen's servant who wrestled an intruder and watched TV with her during lockdown

From travelling around the world in private jets to dancing with The Queen and even meeting some of the most incredible and recognisable people, what is it really like working for the most famous family in the world?

While hundreds of people have served The Queen and other royals, there are very few who rise to the top and become household names.

But one person who has succeeded in doing this is Paul Whybrew, otherwise known by his nickname 'Tall Paul'.

It is said Whybrew was a "near constant presence" for The Queen during lockdown and has been praised time and again for his closeness to the monarch.

Paul Whybrew has worked closely with The Queen in the Royal Household for more than 40 years and has earnt Her Majesty's trust and respect.

Paul Whybrew has worked for The Queen for many years (Getty Images)

Known as ‘Tall Paul’ because he towered over his former colleague ‘Little Paul’ Burrell when they both worked together, Whybrew is The Queen's Page of the Backstairs.

An early sign of his loyalty came on July 9, 1982 when he wrestled Michael Fagan to the ground after the famous intruder broke into the Queen’s bedroom at Buckingham Palace. After calming Fagan down, he offered him a whisky.

The courtier was also given pride of place at The Queen's side when she took part in the now legendary cameo with Daniel Craig as James Bond in a sketch for the Olympic Games in 2012.

When The Queen was at Windsor Castle during lockdown and while she recovered from her recent bouts of ill health, she was ably supported by a close knit team which was dubbed 'HMS Bubble'.

It was understood that Whybrew was at her side and had even been watching television with her and Angela Kelly, Her Majesty's dresser.

Angela Kelly is The Queen's close friend (Getty Images)
Angela Kelly lives at Windsor Castle with The Queen (PA)

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Kelly is also incredibly close to The Queen, having worked for her for more than 25 years. She is the first person to hold the title of Personal Assistant, Adviser and Curator to Her Majesty The Queen (Jewellery, Insignias and Wardrobe), and is behind some of The Queen's most iconic outfits.

Angela has created some of The Queen's most famous looks and gained much attention when she made a duplicate of the iconic royal Honiton Lace christening gown as the original had to go into conservation.

In 2019, the dresser released her book, 'The Other Side of the Coin: The Queen, the Dresser and the Wardrobe' and it is full of heart-warming anecdotes about their close relationship. In a recently updated copy of the book, Angela revealed how she had been in Her Majesty's bubble during lockdown in Windsor Castle and had cut her hair.

She wrote: "From March 2020 onwards I washed The Queen's hair every week, set and styled it, and even trimmed it when needed. My team named it Kelly's Salon."

She added: "The Queen knew I was nervous, and during the first two weeks I was shaking. I had only done her hair once or twice before while on board the Royal Yacht Britannia. The Queen was so kind as she advised me on the very specific way to put the rollers in.

"As I grew in confidence I'm sure The Queen thought I was a professional and started shouting at me, 'Don't do that, do it this way. That's right, you've got it, don't change it.' I was thinking, goodness me, I need a gin and tonic. So while The Queen was under the dryer I said to her, 'I'm off for a stiff drink because this is so stressful, getting it just right for you.'"

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