13 rules to follow when dining with the royal family

Have you really made it big in life? And are you not the 13th guest on the guest list (because then you won’t get in)? Then you might just get to sit down with the British royal family. Dining with Charles, Camilla, William and Kate: we’re definitely up for it.

At least, that’s what we thought. Because with all the rules you have to follow, it won’t exactly be a relaxing evening – and with all the sleaze and dirt surrounding Harry and Meghan, we suspect the atmosphere isn’t exactly optimal right now. Aside from that: don’t think that ‘please, thank you’ and a white napkin on your lap will be enough. These are 13 rules you have to follow if you ever – because you never know – find yourself dining with members of the British royal family.

Wait your turn

And that means you’ll probably be the last to sit down. Access to the dining room depends on who is next in line to be crowned. That means King Charles is allowed in first, then Prince William, and so on. You can work out for yourself how far down the line you are.

Do what the king does

No idea how to behave at the table? Just watch how the king behaves. Is he in a playful mood? Then you can make an appropriate joke. Is he speaking in a serious tone? Then you should be serious too. The same goes for your table manners. Whatever the king does is your perfect how-to-behave-around-the-royal-family guide.

Don’t eat garlic

The royal family hates garlic. Quite logical, really, when you consider that they constantly have to talk to people from all over the world and garlic naturally gives off a gigantic odor. This garlic soup with 3 bulbs of garlic is something you’ll never, ever eat with King Charles.

Don’t talk too loudly

‘HEY CHARLES, PASS ME THE SALT!’ Can you imagine? Neither can Charles and co. You’re expected to speak calmly and in a quiet tone when you’re at the table. Not that strange, perhaps, but what is remarkable is that you may only speak to the people on your left and right. The seating plan has been carefully devised by the king and queen. If you’re not sitting next to them, you can count on them not feeling like talking to you. Ouch.

Mind your manners

So eat with a knife and fork, even if you’re served spareribs. The only exception is oysters. Charles loves those. Oh, and don’t chew with your mouth open. Obvious (or open-mouthed?) perhaps, but still worth pointing out.

Fold your napkin and place it on your lap

That’s not only proper, but also ensures you get as few stains as possible on your trousers, skirt or dress. Have you dabbed your mouth with the napkin? Fold it so that the used part of the napkin isn’t visible. If there’s one thing the members of the royal family find disgusting, it’s that. And one more thing: never put the napkin back on the table unless you’re completely finished eating. That’s a signal to the footmen to clear the plates.

Wear a formal outfit

The dress code for the evening? Not casual. Formal and chic—that’s what they want to see at the royal household. The trick is to go overdressed rather than underdressed. So don’t be too quick to think you’re dressed too formally!

Use your cutlery correctly

We can all eat with a knife and fork. I hope. But hold on: at the royal household, they do things differently. They never spear their food with their fork. Huh? So how do they eat? Well, they turn their fork over and slide the food onto it with a knife. On the convex side, in other words. Sounds complicated? It’s not too bad. Until you have to eat peas.

Drink from one side of your glass

The royal family finds it horrifying when a glass is covered in lip marks. So drink from one side of your glass to prevent this gruesome sight.

Don’t stick out your pinky while drinking tea

Films like The Princess Diaries may lead us to believe otherwise, but sticking your pinky up while drinking tea is considered utterly ridiculous. Even if you feel an overwhelming urge to do it, you better don’t.

Don’t announce that you’re going to the bathroom

We all need to use the bathroom, including members of the royal family. You’re just not supposed to announce when the moment has arrived. Simply stand up, excuse yourself and walk to the bathroom. And come back as if nothing happened.

Finished eating? Let them know (the right way)

Don’t shout across the table that you’re absolutely stuffed. You can do that at home, but not when dining with the royal family. Instead, place your knife and fork on your plate, handles facing down, straight and together, from top to bottom. If you were to compare the plate to a clock, your cutlery should be positioned at 6:00.

Stop eating when the king has finished eating

Even if you’re only halfway through that delicious steak. When King Charles is finished, you’re finished too. End of story. And that’s not because he thinks he’s so important, but because it’s a centuries-old tradition that isn’t to be broken.

Also read:

• People with disgusting table manners: would you say something about it?
• You don’t know these 11 etiquette rules yet
• Queen Máxima bakes cookies for her birthday, and this is her recipe

Source: TastingTable