Queen’s Makeup Artist Kept a Coronation Secret For Life
When you think of regal elegance, you often picture meticulously orchestrated events, but sometimes, the most stunning beauty looks emerge from a wonderfully unexpected place: self-reliance. This fascinating story delves into the world of royal glamour, where tradition meets personal choice, and the famous Queen Elizabeth II decided to take the reins of her own beauty on one of her most monumental days.
While the history books often credit the artistry of those who surround royalty, the preparations for the Queen’s coronation reveal a fascinating moment of royal independence. As her reputation as the longest-reigning monarch was being cemented, Queen Elizabeth bypassed the professional makeup team for her special day, opting instead to handle her own look.
The team behind the Queen’s aesthetic included Thelma Besant, an Australian woman who served as her “Cosmetician and Beauty Adviser” for various major events. Besant worked closely with the royal team, contributing to the overall color scheme for the coronation makeup. Yet, despite the expertise available, the young Queen chose to handle the details herself, seeking a moment of personal reflection amidst the grandeur.
Besant, who worked for the British cosmetic company Cyclax, kept this choice a secret for the rest of her life. The biographer noted that the Queen felt it was a significant occasion where she wished to be alone with her thoughts at the start of this historic chapter, preferring to manage the artistic direction herself.
This quiet, personal decision inadvertently sparked a trend that has since echoed through the modern royal sphere. Decades later, the pendulum swung back, and another modern royal followed suit. Kate Middleton, for her 2011 wedding to Prince William, also chose to apply her own makeup.
This choice quickly became a subject of public fascination. Whispers circulated that Kate relied on the popular Bobbi Brown range for her bridal glow. However, as is often the case with celebrity beauty rumors, the truth behind the makeup look was far more complex.
When asked about the details, Bobbi Brown clarified that she did not perform the makeup herself. Instead, the artistry was handled by one of her talented artists, Hannah Martin, who became a sensation within the United Kingdom beauty community.
The story of these royal beauty choices beautifully illustrates that behind the gilded facade of royalty, the desire for authenticity and personal expression is a universal human trait. Whether it’s a monarch choosing solitude or a modern royal embracing personal style, the ultimate beauty often lies in the choices made by the individual.
Buy on Amazon
Credit
