Queen Camilla's sister Annabel Elliot has revealed she "still finds it impossible" to curtsy to her elder sibling, despite royal protocol.
The 76-year-old interior designer made the admission in a recent interview with royal author Robert Hardman.
The revelation comes as part of a profile marking King Charles and Queen Camilla's 20th wedding anniversary.
Elliot's stance is particularly notable as she serves as one of the Queen's official "companions", the modern equivalent of a lady-in-waiting.
Camilla’s sister admits she still can’t curtsy to Queen in surprising confession
Getty
Speaking to Tatler, Elliot praised her sister's adaptation to royal life, saying: "Obviously for [King Charles], it was always going to be. But I think she's transitioned beautifully, actually. I mean, I sometimes look at her, and I can't really believe it."
Traditional royal protocol suggests women should curtsy to the sovereign and their consort.
Even Prince William has been spotted bowing his head to greet his father and stepmother.
The Royal Family's website states there are "no obligatory codes of behaviour" but many people observe traditional forms.
Annabel Elliot is a supporter of King Charles and Queen Camilla's relationshipBBC / Oxford Film and TelevisionElliot has been described as her sister's "rock" during a challenging 2024, when the Queen faced her husband's cancer diagnosis, her own bout of pneumonia, and the loss of her beloved dog.
The sisters share a remarkably close bond that has endured despite Camilla's elevation to royalty.
As one of the Queen's official "companions", Elliot has a formal role in royal proceedings, having served as one of Camilla's Coronation attendants.
Their relationship has remained strong throughout Camilla's 20-year journey as a member of the Royal Family.
Queen Camilla [right] and Annabel Elliot [left] have a close relationshipPAElliot's emotional connection to her sister's royal role was captured in the BBC documentary "Charles III: The Coronation Year".
In one poignant scene, she became visibly moved watching Camilla head to Westminster Abbey in the golden coach.
"When I thought back to being 2 years old and watching the Queen's [Elizabeth] Coronation on a tiny black and white television, and there goes this golden coach with my sister in it," she recalled.
"I can't explain the feeling, because it's so surreal. This cannot be happening. It was quite a moment."
Queen Camilla and Annabel Elliot pictured at the Coronation in 2023
Getty
Princess Anne has also spoken highly of her sister-in-law's influence on King Charles.
"Her understanding of her role and how much difference it makes to the King has been absolutely outstanding," the Princess Royal told Tatler.
Anne added: "I'm sure lots of people do say to her what a difference she's made, but that is really true."
The King's sister, who has known Camilla for many years, described her as "incredibly generous and understanding".
