Royal Routine Unveiled by Butler: Inside the Private Lives of the Monarchy
Royal Afternoon Tea: The Real Scoop on King Charles III and the British Monarchy
London - Forget the myths of royal tea ceremonies, each household in the British monarchy seems to have its own unique twist. Grant Harrold, former royal butler, debunks the stereotype that drinking habits are consistent across all households.
Breaking with Tradition: Kate Middleton and King Charles III's Tea Time Etiquette
"In the presence of the royal family or at one of their homes, guests will drink from a teacup with a saucer," hellomagazine.com quotes Harrold from an interview with coffee company Coffee Friend. However, the rules change when it comes to Prince William and Kate Middleton's household. Casual visits may see guests served tea in a conventional mug instead of fine porcelain. In addition, the choice of tea isn't always traditional, like Assam or Earl Grey. A 2020 visit to Ark Open Farm saw Princess Kate enjoy a regular tea with milk[1].
Tea Time Protocols and Taboos in the Palace
Harrold also revealed common practices concerning dish cleaning. Given the frequency of tea service up to six times a day, it's a considerable effort for the cleaning cycle. Therefore, etiquette dictates that the same cup should be utilized. However, there's an exception if one changes the drink, like switching from tea to coffee. In such cases, the cup is temporarily removed, washed, and returned[1].
Interestingly, it's considered acceptable to continue using the same cup as long as the type of drink doesn't change, according to Harrold.
Enrichment Data:
King Charles III
- Tea Preference: King Charles prefers Darjeeling tea, which he enjoys with honey and milk. This is a part of his daily routine, often consumed during a late breakfast.
Princess Kate and Prince William
- Informal Approach: Unlike King Charles, Princess Kate and Prince William have a more informal approach to tea time. Guests are often served tea in mugs during casual visits, deviating from the traditional use of teacups and saucers.
A Royal Tradition: The Tiara Comeback
Princess Kate will soon be seen again with a stunning tiara on her head after a longer break[2]. Keep an eye out for this magnificent headpiece.
Sources used: hellomagazine.com
[1] Use of mugs during tea time in informal gatherings among Princess Kate and Prince William[2] Princess Kate is expected to wear a tiara soon
In the informal gatherings of Prince William and Kate Middleton's household, guests might be served tea in conventional mugs instead of traditional teacups and saucers, contrasting the formal etiquette observed at King Charles III's tea times, who prefers Darjeeling tea with honey and milk. Furthermore, pop-culture enthusiasts eagerly await the comeback of Princess Kate's tiara in an upcoming event, showcasing the blend of tradition and modernity in the lives of royal figures.
