In an interview with Majesty magazine, Zara Phillips reveals she curtseys every time she meets her grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II.

Zara collecting her MBE from the Queen in 2006.

“The thing with my grandmother is she is still my grandmother and she’s very approachable, but she’s also from an era where that was how it was done. But there aren’t many people who know how it’s done. I know because I have grown up with it.”

Like many aspects of British life, which traditionally operates on convention rather than prescriptive law, there are disputes and misunderstandings about the proper way to address the Queen and other members of the Royal Family.

Jo Bryant, an etiquette advisor for Debrett’s says a curtsey for a woman and a bow for a man is still the correct way to greet the Queen. The delightful Zara clearly agrees.

However, Joe Little of Majesty magazine says, “Things are quite a bit more relaxed these days. At one time it was the ‘done thing’ whereas nowadays it is really left to individual discretion.”

The wife of the present Prime Minister, Sarah Brown, reversed the practice of her predecessor — rebel with many causes, Cherie Blair — when she was pointedly seen to curtsey to the Duchess of Cornwall at an international conference.

Men are lucky — bowing is the easy part. The curtsey is the more tricky manoeuvre. Some older women have been known to topple over completely. It really does need some practice.

Method: Put the right foot behind the left foot. Bend the knees maintaining a straight back. It’s probably easier with a loose skirt or gown than a in tight mini.

To see how it’s done by experts, actresses in TV costume dramas are always impeccable. In the BBC’s Wives and Daughters, by Mrs Gaskell, set in Victorian times, the two younger women give deep curtseys to every older person they meet. It’s difficult to imagine modern youngsters having that sort of respect for their elders.

Another great exponent of the curstey is the Welsh opera diva, Katherine Jenkins, who almost sat on the stage with her spectacularly low, slow curtsey to the Queen at the Remembrance concert in the Royal Albert Hall.

Is it possible to revive the practice in the 21st century?

Royal Ascot opened today with a cracking card of great racing and star performers.

The procession of Royal Landau at Royal Ascot today

As usual it was opened by the Royal procession of carriages along the course from Windsor, led by the Queen and Prince Philip, who seemed in great form.

The Queen and Prince Philip in the first carriage

The second of the four Landaus carried the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall together with Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie. I’m told that all three ladies wore hats by Philip Treacy. Can that be a record? Even so, they all looked a little glum in that carriage.

Prince Charles and Camilla with Beatrice and Eugenie

Apart from the Princesses, none of the younger Royals was present, although Zara Phillips is expected. Princess Anne arrived on foot rather than in a carriage.

Perhaps Kate Middleton and even Chelsy Davy will be along on Ladies Day.

Prince William was well supported at his investiture as the 1000th Knight Companion of the Garter since 1348 at Windsor today.

Prince William with his father and Camilla at the Garter event

Senior Garter Knights, Prince Charles and Prince Philip (his father and grandfather), were his official supporters as the Queen draped the historic and prestigious Garter robes around him in St. George’s Chapel.

Prince Harry, Kate Middleton and Camilla at Windsor today

In the congregation were Kate Middleton his more-than-a-girlfriend, and the Duchess of Cornwall.

Although Kate outshone all others as usual, this time William was the centre of attention in his floridly magnificent medieval robes and flourish of a hat.

The ancient company (literally in many cases) made its way slowly in solemn procession from the Chapel for about a quarter of a mile, heavily guarded by police and elements of the Household Cavalry.

It is a shame that the public are not allowed to watch the service and investiture on television. At least Hello! magazine didn’t have the monopoly this time.

Perhaps the Way Forward Group could consider opening this splendid event to public view at its next meeting?

Another year, another Trooping the Colour.

The Queen and Prince Philip arrive at Horse Guards Parade

The splendid event is held on a Saturday in June each year to celebrate the Queen’s official birthday — her real one is in April.

As always, the BBC showed what a superb occasion it is with Huw Edwards describing the nuances and history in minute detail. He even had an exclusive interview with Prince Charles in full red and gold ceremonial dress.

Traditionally, the Queen processed down the Mall on horseback, riding an elegant sidesaddle. However, as age closed in and with the retirement of her faithful mount, Burma, she decided that a carriage would be more appropriate. The carriage itself has a lot of history behind it. It is Queen Victoria’s Ivory-Mounted Phaeton, first used in the 1840s.

Princes William and Harry and the Duchess of Cornwall

Prince William and Prince Harry arrived in a carriage together with the Duchess of Cornwall. Prince Charles rode down the Mall on horseback together with the Royal Colonels, Princess Anne and the Duke of Kent.

The Queen and Prince Philip take the salute

Finally, before the parade begins the Queen and the Duke take the salute and the National Anthem.