Tilbury says she got royal protocol 'all wrong' meeting Queen Elizabeth II

Charlotte Tilbury, the makeup entrepreneur behind the eponymous cosmetics label, says she 'got all the protocol wrong' when she met Queen Elizabeth II during the investiture at Buckingham Palace in 2018, the ceremony that delivered her MBE for services to the beauty and cosmetics industry.

Tilbury described the moment in interviews, recalling how the Queen’s blue eyes sparkled as she told the monarch how much she loved corgis. 'All I remember is her incredibly blue eyes and how they sparkled when I said how much I loved corgis,' Tilbury said. She recalled turning her back on the Queen and not walking backward, a memory she says raised questions about whether the monarch managed to get a word in. The Royal Family website notes there are no obligatory codes, with courtesy being the main requirement, and that shaking hands is acceptable, a reminder that protocols have softened over the years.

Tilbury wore a chic black dress for the investiture, accessorized with a hat by couture milliner Victoria Grant, a Lara Bohinc belt and Jimmy Choo shoes. She was accompanied by her husband, George Waud, and her parents, Patsy and Lance. Speaking at the time and in later reflections, she said she felt full of pride, excitement and a little nervous to meet Her Majesty. She spoke of the honour of receiving the MBE from the Queen and said she would love to give Her Majesty a makeover one day, describing the monarch as an inspiring, graceful and courageous woman. 'I felt especially honoured to have received my MBE from her as she is such an inspiring, incredible, graceful, courageous woman. I would love to do her make-up one day, as she is also my dream beauty icon!' she added. Tilbury also noted the Queen’s enduring style and enduring impact on British fashion and beauty.

In addition to the investiture memory, Tilbury has used her platform to honor the monarch. She launched a lipstick shade named The Queen to mark Her Majesty’s 70-year reign during the Platinum Jubilee, saying the collection celebrated the beauty and brilliance of a magical Queen and Britain. The lipstick has become part of Tilbury’s broader line, which blends high fashion aesthetics with accessible beauty.

With 26 years in the industry, Tilbury has built a global brand that has drawn a celebrity-influenced following. Her circle includes Kate Moss and fashion editors like Edward Enninful, and her makeup has been worn by figures such as Amal Clooney and Lady Kitty Spencer. The Duchess of Sussex is reportedly among her fans. Tilbury’s prominence in the sector has continued to grow alongside a broader rise in the British beauty industry, which has expanded into international markets and diversified product lines.

Tilbury topped a recent list of the top 30 richest beauty entrepreneurs in the UK for 2025, according to the Sunday Times Beauty Rich List. The company’s founder is estimated to be worth about £350 million, a reflection of the brand’s rapid expansion since its 2013 launch after Tilbury spent more than two decades as a celebrity makeup artist. The list, compiled by Robert Watts, includes 19 women and 14 men with a combined wealth of about £2.174 billion, spanning skincare, makeup, haircare and related services. The report highlights a diverse set of stories, from refugees who built successful brands to entrepreneurs who overcame significant challenges to create popular products.

As Tilbury speaks publicly about her experiences with the Queen and her ongoing business success, observers note how her story aligns with a broader trend: a British beauty industry that has leveraged celebrity partnerships, high-profile launches and strategic branding to reach a worldwide audience. The investiture moment remains a milestone in Tilbury’s public narrative, illustrating both the personal significance of royal honors and the global reach of a brand built on British craftsmanship and style.