The Princess of Wales had to learn enough etiquette lessons to fill a small book when she married into the royal family in 2011. Among the many protocols she mastered were those surrounding afternoon tea, a daily ritual deeply embedded in Queen Elizabeth II's household. While Prince William, as a born royal, was largely exempt from certain mannerisms, Kate had to be particularly vigilant about how she held her cup and where she placed her lips.
It has been reported that royal etiquette requires everyone to hold the top of the cup handle with their thumb and index finger while keeping their pinky tucked in. This technique has been publicly demonstrated by Kate, Princess Anne, and other female royals. However, a further caveat applies specifically to women wearing lipstick: they must sip from only the same spot on the cup to avoid multiple stains. This rule existed to keep the fine bone china presentable for the Queen or other high-ranking guests.
The Royal Afternoon Tea Menu Behind Palace Walls
Former royal chef Darren McGrady previously opened up about what was 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.
The chef told that the chocolate biscuit cake was such a popular choice that it even travelled with the Queen. He explained: "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."
Does King Charles Follow His Late Mother's Tradition?
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.
The contrast between the Queen's unabashed love for chocolate biscuit cake and King Charles' more restrained palate highlights how afternoon tea evolved with each monarch. For Kate, these traditions meant learning not only the correct way to hold a cup but also the subtle art of not embarrassing the crown with a lipstick-smudged teacup.
Why the Rule Didn't Apply to Prince William
Prince William, as a male royal, never had to worry about lipstick marks. For men in the royal family, the rules of afternoon tea are generally less stringent regarding the teacup handle grip, but they still follow basic decorum. William could freely sip from any side of the cup without concern for staining, while Kate had to carefully align her lips with the same spot each time – a trick she likely practiced until it became second nature.
Historically, royal etiquette for women was far more detailed than for men, particularly in the presence of the monarch. Kate's training included a full course on how to eat scones without creating crumbs, how to politely decline tea without offending the host, and how to balance a cup and saucer while holding a conversation. The lipstick rule was just one of many small but significant gestures that signaled respect for the Queen.
In modern times, these traditions have been loosened, but during her early years as a royal, Kate adhered strictly to them. Today, she is often seen confidently hosting her own tea events and passing on some of these lessons to her children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
The royal family's relationship with afternoon tea is a fascinating blend of formality and comfort. From the precise handling of porcelain to the carefully selected finger sandwiches, every aspect serves to uphold the dignity of the crown while also providing a moment of relaxation. For Kate, mastering this ritual was not just about following rules but about respecting the institution she married into.
As the monarchy continues to modernise, some of these etiquette rules may fade, but the legacy of the Queen's teatime – complete with Earl Grey and chocolate biscuit cake – will remain a cherished tradition. The next time you see a photograph of Kate sipping tea, notice how she holds the cup: thumb and index finger on the handle, pinky in, and lips precisely placed – a subtle reminder of the etiquette that once separated her from her husband.
Source:HELLO! News