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?

The Mail on Sunday is reporting that friends of Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall say they will marry in May next year. They have been secretly engaged for some months.

Mike and Zara at Cheltenham races earlier this year

The favoured venue, as of now, seems to be St. George’s Chapel, Windsor, with a reception at Frogmore House. Zara and Mike were clearly impressed with the ambience of her brother Peter’s nuptials in May. They will not be repeating the involvement of Hello! magazine, however.

Zara’s father, Mark Phillips, who coaches his daughter in her three-day eventing specialism, has asked her to delay an announcement until after the Beijing Olympics to concentrate on winning a gold medal. Zara has been the European Champion and currently holds the World title.

Any other Royal wedding planned for next year is likely to be in mid-summer to avoid a clash.

As it’s a slow news Sunday here’s a shot of the River Exe I took this morning.

The River Exe at Exeter with two canoeists enjoying the June weather

The influential American business magazine Forbes, has named Prince William the world’s hottest Royal.

Prince William and Chelsy Davy at Prince Harry’s medal ceremony

The future Monarch of all he surveys easily edged out his brother Prince Harry and cousins Zara Phillips and Princess Beatrice to lead the field at forbes.com.

The magazine, which is famous for compiling rich lists, believes the top 20 Royals reign over nearly $60 billion in wealth and 15 Royal lineages.

Forbes assessed the international web and media presence of the contenders, as well as family wealth. It’s interesting that all 20 are single and under the age of 35 and have also become “successful in their chosen career paths”.

Princess Beatrice though, 4th, is only just finishing her gap year. One wonders which “career path” Forbes had in mind : international party-goer?

Nevertheless, the top four (all British) are certainly talented and destined for great things.

We are told that “The 20 Hottest Young Royals” — presumably a TV show — will premiere on Friday on the E! Entertainment network.

Forbes.com’s top five are:

1. Prince William
2. Prince Harry
3. Zara Phillips
4. Princess Beatrice
5. Charlotte Casiraghi

Jolly well done to them all.

Updated

Kate Middleton at Cheltenham today without William

The Queen is said to be distinctly unamused by Palace arrangements for her to open Heathrow’s new Terminal 5 today. The reason is that it’s Gold Cup day at Cheltenham, and today’s race is gripping the nation like never before.

Prince William and Kate Middleton at Cheltenham last year

Two great racehorses are set to battle out the finish in what has been called “a race to stop the nation” and compared to a planetary collision. You’d think Captain Kirk was taking on the Klingon Empire.

The two horses in question are Kauto Star and Denman, great champions in their own right who have never met on a racecourse, but who live in adjoining stable boxes and train together every day of the year. The poignancy of it has truly gripped the country, and the Queen, who loves the Sport of Kings, is all set to miss it.

“It’s a muck up,” she is reported to have exclaimed. One can’t help but think that in Henry VIII’s day it would have been done very differently.

So, we will all spend this afternoon chewing our fingers to the quick, while Her Majesty cuts a ribbon and reads a speech at London’s major airport. Mind you, the terminal is a sight to see by all accounts. The main hall alone is the length of four football pitches. But not, alas, as long as Cheltenham racecourse.

The Queen has asked for the race to be recorded. God preserve the servant who mucks up the Palace video machine and records Blue Peter instead.

Last year, we remember Prince William and Kate Middleton at Cheltenham (pictured). Kate wore sensible tweeds and was heavily criticized by the fashion buffs. It was just before their break up and the two scarcely glanced at each other.

Will they be there today? It would be the perfect opportunity for them to be photographed together for the first time since the December visit to the Somerset House ice rink.

William could also provide a running commentary for his grandmother on his mobile phone.

Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall at Cheltenham yesterday

Zara Phillips made an appearance at the racecourse yesterday, saying she can’t wait for the today’s Gold Cup. Walking out with boyfriend Mike Tindall, her outfit caused a bit of a stir drawing comparisons with a Tyrolean brass band player.

After hurricane winds the day before had cancelled the event, Zara clearly decided to put practicality before fashion. So it’s oompah to the fashionistas.