On June 2, 1953, Elizabeth II stepped into history. Behind the scenes, the young queen harbored a private beauty secret that remained out of the public eye for decades.
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This is likely the last beauty revelation about Elizabeth II. In December 2022, just two months after the monarch’s death, writer Gyles Brandreth released a book called Elizabeth: An Intimate Portrait. While the volume mainly explores her relationships with family, friends, and the press, it also shares a few exclusive details — including a beauty-related anecdote that dates back to the day of her coronation.
On that June morning in 1953, Elizabeth Windsor, then 27, was getting ready for her official crowning. From the age of 18 she had relied on a beauty adviser she trusted, Thelma Besant. Brandreth notes that Thelma had worked with Elizabeth on her wedding makeup and other occasions, describing her as straightforward and practical; she was employed by Cyclax, one of Britain’s long-established cosmetic firms.
Although Besant helped create the color scheme for the coronation look, the newly crowned queen chose to apply her own makeup. According to Brandreth, Elizabeth wanted Thelma at Buckingham Palace in case anything went wrong, but she asked her adviser whether she thought the queen could handle it herself — Elizabeth felt that the significance of the day made her want to begin it alone with her thoughts. Brandreth says Thelma Besant kept that confidence until she died. It reads as a final, personal act of independence by Elizabeth before devoting her life to public service.
The story brings to mind a similar tale about Kate Middleton’s 2011 wedding. For years the press suggested the future duchess had done her own makeup after a few private lessons, but in reality it was makeup artist Hannah Martin who prepared her for the ceremony.
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Ellis McDowell is a trend analyst with a sharp eye for spotting the next big thing in entertainment. With years of experience in digital media and trend forecasting, Nora tracks the movements of influencers, viral content, and entertainment trends. Her insights help shape the stories that captivate our audience.
