A new drama centered on Angela Kelly, Queen Elizabeth II’s long-time personal aide, is set to be produced, offering a fictionalized portrayal of her life and relationship with the late monarch. The film, titled *Trouble*, will be developed as a scripted drama rather than a documentary, allowing for greater creative license in depicting Ms. Kelly’s story.
Angela Kelly, born in Liverpool and 68 years old, served as one of Queen Elizabeth’s closest confidantes. She was responsible for various intimate tasks including assisting with the Queen’s wardrobe, styling her hair, and even massaging her feet. The close bond between the two women was often noted, with the Queen reportedly stating they could have been “sisters.”
Despite her privileged position, Kelly was a polarizing figure within the royal household. Her assertive personality and readiness to challenge others earned her the nickname “AK-47,” a reference to her initials and the nickname of the Soviet assault rifle.
Concerns had previously been raised about the potential for Kelly to breach confidentiality agreements signed during her royal service, especially with details potentially involving sensitive topics such as King Charles and “Megxit,” the term used for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s departure from senior royal duties. However, the forthcoming project sidesteps these issues by opting for a dramatized narrative rather than a factual exposé.
The screenplay for *Trouble* is being written by Jeremy Brock, a Bafta-winning writer known for his work on royal-themed dramas, including *A Very Royal Scandal*, a 2024 production that depicted Prince Andrew’s BBC interview with Emily Maitlis. Brock’s involvement was confirmed by his agent, Charlotte Knight, who revealed that Fox Searchlight has commissioned the original script focusing on the friendship between Queen Elizabeth II and Angela Kelly.
With its narrative perspective and dramatic approach, the project promises to offer an intimate look at a figure who exercised notable influence within the royal household over several decades, while navigating the complexities and tensions that arose behind palace doors.