Simon Cowell Reveals the One 'Amazing' Time He Met Queen Elizabeth II—And Curtsied

In an interview on Jimmy Kimmel Live, America's Got Talent Judge Simon Cowell opened up about the unfortunate passing of Queen Elizabeth II.

"I did [meet the queen] about 15 years ago," Cowell told Host Jimmy Kimmel, with the show sharing a snapshot of a younger Cowell meeting the monarch.

"This was the British version of America's Got Talent," Cowell said. "The winner of that show gets to perform in front of the royal family. That night, the queen was there, so I went along and, fortunately, got to meet her backstage. It was amazing."

Kimmel then asked the AGT Judge if he remembered their exchange.

"She didn't talk to me," Cowell revealed. "She had no idea who I was, actually. I was kinda, like, in awe...We were taught what to say, what not to say, more importantly. But, like, God, I've actually met the queen, and it was amazing!"

Kimmel then asked a pressing question on many viewers' minds: Did Cowell curtsy for the queen?

"I might have done the curtsy instead of the bow," Cowell admitted. "Which is probably why I blanked, yeah."

Kimmel also asked Cowell if he had a sense that the royal family had watched him on Britain's Got Talent or The X-Factor, two shows Cowell produces. And to that, he had an even more interesting story.

"I did meet Harry," Cowell said. "He used to watch one of my shows, The X-Factor, so he used to hang out in my dressing room and watch the show. Like, the sweetest, nicest guy."

After the unfortunate passing of Queen Elizabeth II on September 8, Cowell took to Instagram to pay his regards. 

"With incredible strength, she was someone who loved her country and was able to lead with so much love," he wrote. "I feel very lucky that in my lifetime we have had a monarch who managed to balance great leadership, tradition, and progression. I would like to send my respects to her family during this time."