Kate Middleton’s royal etiquette rule that didn’t apply to Prince William

The Princess of Wales had to learn enough etiquette lessons to fill a small book when she married into the royal family in 2011.

Alongside executing the perfect curtsey, Kate would have learnt exactly how she is expected to behave at afternoon tea – a staple time of day in Prince William’s late grandmother Queen Elizabeth II’s household.

It has been reported that royal etiquette expects everyone to hold the top of the cup handle with their thumb and index finger while keeping their pinky in, which has been demonstrated in public by Kate, Princess Anne and more. 

However, one further caveat is that they must only sip from the same spot if wearing lipstick, to avoid multiple stains on the cup.

The royal menu for afternoon tea behind palace walls

Former royal chef Darren McGrady previously opened up about what is included at afternoon tea in Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle. Regardless of where the late monarch took her tea, she would expect Earl Grey tea, two types of sandwiches – with popular flavours including raspberry jam, cucumber or ham – as well as scones and cake. 

Guests would take one large piece of cake, such as the chocolate biscuit one served at the Prince and Princess of Wales’ wedding, and two smaller sweet treats such as chocolate eclairs.

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The chef previously told HELLO! that the chocolate biscuit cake was such a popular choice that it even travelled with the Queen. “The royal chefs send a whole cake up to Her Majesty every day for tea. She will sometimes take a slice and then it is never seen at the royal table again. [The cake is sent to the staff for their afternoon tea.]

“The chocolate biscuit cake is the only cake that goes up to the royal table every day until it has all gone – sometimes this means it following her to Windsor Castle for the weekend,” Darren said.

Does King Charles follow his late mother’s tradition?

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Since King Charles doesn’t have a big sweet tooth, it’s possible that he now enjoys his own version of afternoon tea.

However, that’s not to say he avoids all sugary foods. While painting in the Balmoral countryside during his Scottish summer holidays, His Majesty would reportedly enjoy a solo picnic.

Darren told Delish: “He’d often pack a picnic with a ‘big, thick sandwich’ and possibly a dessert – like a piece of plum pudding.” Meanwhile, shortbread was a staple on the Balmoral menu.