Dining with the royals isn’t just about fine food — it’s about following centuries-old traditions and strict etiquette. Here are 10 fascinating dinner rules the royal family must follow:
1. No Pasta at Dinner
MANCHESTER – OCTOBER 15: Queen Elizabeth II takes a tea break with hospital staff during her visit to Manchester Royal Infirmary on October 15, 1999. (Photo by Anwar Hussein/Getty Images)
Carbs like pasta, rice, and potatoes are usually avoided at dinner. Meals tend to be lighter and more refined.
2. When the Queen Was Finished, Everyone Was Too
Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II and French President Francois Hollande arrive at a state dinner at the Elysee presidential palace in Paris, following the international D-Day commemoration ceremonies in Normandy, marking the 70th anniversary of the World War II Allied landings in Normandy. AFP PHOTO / POOL / ERIC FEFERBERG
If Queen Elizabeth II stopped eating, everyone else had to put down their cutlery immediately — no exceptions.
3. Conversations Had a Pre-Established Order
Guests were expected to speak with the Queen in a specific sequence: first the person on her right, then the one on her left.
4. Meal Swaps Are Mandatory
Prince Phillip, the Duke of Edinburgh, shares a laugh and a smile with Suncor Energy Vice President Steve Williams, left, Tuesday, May 24, 2005 during a visit to the Suncor Energy Inc. Steepbank Mine Complex 50 kilometers (31 miles) north of Fort McMurray, Alta. Prince Phillip toured the oil sands project in a helicopter as part of the Royal Visit, Alberta Centennial 2005 celebration. (AP PHOTO/CP, Fort McMurray Today, Carl Patzel)
If a royal asked to trade dishes, etiquette required you to oblige — no matter what was on your plate.
5. No Garlic Allowed
Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II looks at samples of food prepared by students at Clontarf Aboriginal College in Perth, Australia, Thursday, Oct. 27, 2011. The queen is in Australia for an official visit and to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. (AP Photo/Sharon Smith, Pool)
Garlic was strictly banned from royal kitchens to avoid strong breath during public appearances.
6. Order of Entry Matters
Queen Elizabeth II & Richard Nixon, American Vice-President, on the occasion of a Thanksgiving dinner at the US Embassy residence in London. 27 November 1958
Family members and guests entered the dining room in a set order of precedence.
7. Never 13 Guests
Superstition (and tradition) meant the Queen never hosted 13 guests at the table — an extra person would always be added.
8. No Bathroom Breaks
Leaving the table mid-dinner was considered impolite. Guests were expected to wait until the end.
9. When in Doubt, Copy the Queen
Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau is seated next to Queen Elizabeth II at an offical dinner he is hosting in the Queen’s honor in Vancouver, B.C. March 10, 1983. Photo by Peter Bregg/CP/ABACAPRESS.COM
Guests often looked to the Queen’s behavior — when to start eating, which fork to use, and when to stop.
10. Silence in the Kitchen
If the Queen entered the kitchen, staff had to stop what they were doing and remain silent until acknowledged.
