Every family has its own mealtime rules, but the royal family takes dining etiquette to another level. From banned foods to proper table manners, members of the monarchy — and their guests — are expected to follow a strict set of traditions. While some customs are rooted in health and safety, others highlight the formality and history behind royal dining.
Below are seven of the most notable rules, explained by former royal chefs, butlers, and etiquette experts.
The Royal Family’s Banned Foods & Dining Traditions
One of the most well-known restrictions is shellfish. Former royal butler Grant Harrold explained to the Daily Express, “When dining, the Royal Family has to be careful with shellfish due to shellfish poisoning, due to their work schedules.
Therefore you will not normally find this on the royal menu.” Garlic is also prohibited — a decision that began with Queen Elizabeth II, who simply disliked the ingredient. Former royal chef Darren McGrady revealed to RecipesPlus, “We can never serve anything with garlic or too much onions.”
Foie gras is another dish off-limits. Then-Prince Charles banned the controversial delicacy in 2008 due to animal cruelty concerns. At the time, Clarence House confirmed the decision, with animal rights group Viva! praising the move.
“Foie gras is seen as very posh and the heir to the throne is probably the poshest person in Britain, so for him to ban it is very good news,” said campaigner Justin Kerswell, per Marie Claire.
Perhaps the strangest custom is the royal family’s Christmas weigh-in. Dating back to the early 1900s, King Edward VII required his guests to be weighed before and after Christmas dinner to ensure they enjoyed the meal. Royal expert Ingrid Seward told Grazia in 2018 that guests were expected to gain three to five pounds.
Formal Dress, Table Manners & Teatime Rules
Attire is another important part of royal dining. McGrady shared with Marie Claire that the family would dress in “ball gowns” for dinner, comparing the evenings to “a ‘Downton Abbey’ dinner.” Meals often ended with a bagpipe player circling the table.
When it comes to cutlery, silence is expected. Etiquette expert William Hanson also told Marie Claire, “In Western formal dining, we don’t want any form of noise — whether that’s unpleasant sounds of mastication or the fork and knife scraping along a near-empty plate.”
Teatime also has its rules. Beaumont Etiquette founder Myka Meier told People that royals must pinch the teacup handle with the thumb and index finger, supporting it with the middle finger. Former royal butler Harrold explained to Insider that stirring should be mess-free: “If the spoon touches the sides it makes a clinging sound and we don’t want that at the afternoon tea table.”
Finally, guests must always follow the monarch’s lead. Hanson told the Daily Express in 2022, “When dining with Her Majesty, no one should begin until she begins eating; similarly, when the Queen’s cutlery goes into the finished position, everyone else should follow suit — regardless of whether there is food left on their own plates.”
It is unknown whether King Charles has continued this tradition.
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