Charlotte Tilbury Shares Her Experiences Of Meeting The Queen: “I’d Love To Do Her Make-up”
The beauty guru received her MBE at Buckingham Palace yesterday
Charlotte Tilbury received an MBE from the Queen at Buckingham Palace yesterday, and it was truly an experience she’ll never forget. The make-up artist was recognised for her contribution to the beauty and cosmetics industry, having established a hugely successful beauty brand five years ago.
“Today was one of the most memorable days of my life,” she told us this afternoon. “I have always adored Her Majesty the Queen and the entire royal family, so when I stepped through the doors of the incredible Buckingham Palace it was such a meaningful, dream-like moment for me!”
Tilbury admitted to feeling nervous before meeting the Queen, who she described as an international “icon”.
“The palace is so beautiful and picturesque, a true British institution, and so enchanting,” she continued. “When I arrived this morning, I felt full of pride, excitement and a little nervous to meet Her Majesty the Queen. She is such an icon not just of this country, but of this world. 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!”
The businesswoman and beauty legend established her eponymous brand in 2013, and it has since become one of the fastest-growing cosmetics labels in history and available in 65 countries around the world. Tilbury has a team of over 1,000, 85 per cent of whom are women. She has also worked on numerous high-profile beauty campaigns, from Burberry to Tom Ford, and her beauty skills have been utilised by stars such as Kate Moss, Amal Clooney and Gisele.
“I have been fortunate enough to work at the forefront of the beauty industry for over two decades, but it is my incredible brand that has allowed me to really connect with everyone and share my vision with the world,” she says. “I have always been passionate about empowering women and men, from 18 to 80, to help them to feel confident and like the most beautiful versions of themselves through the power of beauty. I will keep on giving everyone the right make-up, so they can conquer the world.”
So how do you celebrate meeting the Queen and receiving an MBE? Well, according to Tilbury, you head straight to the Michelin-starred River Café for lunch with family, colleagues and friends.
“My wonderful husband George, and my mother and father – Patsy and Lance – were at Buckingham Palace with me to celebrate and savour it, which made it all the more special,” she said. “Their continued love and support throughout my career have been incredible. After the ceremony, I went for a celebratory lunch at the River Café with my amazing, wonderful family and friends, and magical dream team. I couldn’t have done all of this without them, so sharing this moment with them today meant so much to me.”