Jules Robinson recalls how she worked for members of the royal household near the Queen

Reality star Jules Robinson has revealed the time she once worked behind the walls of Buckingham Palace — and the Queen was near her.

As a longstanding member of Royal Ascot, I remember we would place a bet on what colour the Queen would be wearing as she made her way in on carriage.

It’s one of the many beautiful traditions I remember fondly about Her Majesty from my 14 years living in London.

I was working as a barber at the time for Truefitt & Hill, one of few companies to hold a prestigious Royal Warrant, and one of my clients was the Queen’s personal butler.

I’d text him every time for a hot tip on what colour she would be wearing, knowing all too well he wouldn’t be able to divulge such information.

London is a second home for me. I actually know the streets of London better than I do Sydney to be fair and I do have that feeling of being home. I lived in London for my formative years, from 21 through to 35.

I feel quite honoured to be here in London through this time. I have lived here through momentous times, the royal wedding of Will and Kate, the Golden Jubilee, the Olympics, and to be here for this is actually really special.

Prince William, Prince Harry, Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle stood together at the service at Westminster Hall. Picture: BBC

The coffin of Queen Elizabeth II, is pulled by a Gun Carriage of The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery, during a procession from Buckingham Palace to the Palace of Westminster. Picture: AFP

I have always considered myself a Royalist, having worked for Truefitt and Hill, where I was lucky enough to work behind the gates of Buckingham Palace and I was in the same precinct as the Queen, she was right near me.

Whatever your thoughts on the monarchy, we should be celebrating her life – 96 years, she has been a constant through all of our lives. I have a lot of respect for her.

The Queen, it is actually incredible in that it is someone who we have heard speak only a few times in our lives and only ever heard a few words but she was truly highly respected by so many people.

Reality television personality and social media influencer Jules Robinson in front of the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich, London. Photo: Ella Pellegrini

She took on a role that was handed to her and I think she did an amazing job considering the circumstances.

I love the ceremony and the formality of the Royals. Working in that world and having to present and speak a certain way, curtsying and so on, has given me that gift of being able to adapt to all different types of people.

I was very young when I started working there and didn’t actually realise the depth of where I worked to be honest and just how elite and high profile it was. I learnt very quickly and it was an amazing time in my life.

Why am I a royalist?

King Charles III, Princess Anne, Princess Royal, Prince Andrew, Duke of York, Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex walk behind the coffin along The Mall during the procession for the Lying-in State of Queen Elizabeth II. Picture: Getty

I understand that the monarchy means a lot of different things for different people. For me personally, it brings back really amazing memories of my life, from working with an establishment that had the Royal Warrant to my childhood where I idolised Princess Diana. When I moved to the UK, the last thing my mum said to me before I boarded my flight was to make sure I meet Prince William. I just enjoy the tradition of it and have always loved the royal family.

Members of the public file past as soldiers of The Grenadier Guards and Yeomen of the Guard, stand guard around the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II, inside Westminster Hall. Picture: AFP

Being here in London at this time, it has been extremely busy and very special as no matter where you come from or who you know, there is a real sense of living through a historical moment.

My very brief moments working in the inner circle of the royals has added another element to my thoughts at this time.

I went to Buckingham Palace to pay my respects and lay some flowers. It is an amazing time, seeing everyone on TV wearing black, the nation is really mourning and I feel like certain things have come to a standstill. I don’t think I will witness anything like this again in my lifetime.

I shed a tear when I heard that the Queen had died. I didn’t expect to be so emotional about it because it is one of those things where we all knew it was going to happen one day. Somehow though, even at the age of 96, it feels too soon.

* Jules Robinson is a businesswoman, reality TV star, model and mum

Originally published as Jules Robinson recalls how she worked for members of the royal household near the Queen