The Queen has fired her royal lingerie designer over this book

‘It's just upsetting at the end of my life’

(Image credit: Getty Images)

‘It's just upsetting at the end of my life’

You may not have heard of Rigby & Peller before this month but the chances are, given recent controversy, that you’ll know about them now.

The luxury underwear company, that has held the royal warrant since 1960, has just had its title stripped after a controversial book release.

Julie Kenton, 82, is the woman behind the company, personally fitting and supplying lingerie to the Queen, the Queen Mother and Princess Margaret for over 30 years.

The official ‘corsetiere’ to the Queen published her autobiography, Storm in a D-Cup, in March last year, revealing details from the royal bra fittings and her experiences with family members from Princess Diana to the Queen.

The Queen unsurprisingly was not impressed by the book, with Buckingham Palace informing Mrs Kenton that they ‘didn’t like the book’, removing the company’s royal warrant.

Rigby & Peller announced that they were ‘deeply saddened’ by the news in a statement, insisting that they were ’not able to elaborate further on the cancellation out of respect for her Majesty the Queen and the Royal Warrant Holders Association’.

Julie Kenton however has spoken out about Storm in a D Cup and her surprise at its reception.

‘I'm very sad Buckingham Palace took exception to the story,’ Julie Kenton explained of the situation. ‘It’s a kind and gentle story about what went on in my life.’

‘I only ever said I went there, not what happened. I have never, ever spoken about what I do there with her, or the Queen Mother or Princess Margaret.’

She continued: ‘I think it's unbelievable. It's just upsetting at the end of my life, but what can I do. I can't fight with Buckingham Palace and I wouldn't want to, but it's hard.’

‘I've been honourable throughout my life - it's unbelievable they don't like the book, there's nothing in it that they could remotely be upset about. I probably should have submitted it to them but I didn't think anything would be required.’

The royal family has yet to comment.

Jenny Proudfoot
Features Editor

Jenny Proudfoot is an award-winning journalist, specialising in lifestyle, culture, entertainment, international development and politics. She has worked at Marie Claire UK for seven years, rising from intern to Features Editor and is now the most published Marie Claire writer of all time. She was made a 30 under 30 award-winner last year and named a rising star in journalism by the Professional Publishers Association.