The Royal Family’s Buckingham Palace is reportedly devoid of a particular “downmarket” dining implement, as revealed by Lady Anne Glenconner, former lady-in-waiting to Princess Margaret. A humorous incident involving Queen Camilla and a fish knife was shared, where Camilla joked about the absence of fish knives in the palace. Etiquette expert William Hanson explained that fish knives are viewed as “downmarket”, and due to the historical cutlery collection in Buckingham Palace dating back to Georgian times, fish knives were not part of it.
Hanson, in his book ‘Just Good Manners’, emphasised that owning fish knives might suggest being “a touch common”. He also discussed the proper etiquette of dressing scones with jam and cream, highlighting variations based on location. Princess Eugenie previously disclosed a strict Royal Family dining rule banning visible knees at the table. Additionally, a source mentioned an etiquette guideline regarding napkin usage to avoid soiling clothes.
Gyles Brandreth shared insights on the late Queen Elizabeth’s emphasis on proper table manners, such as no phones at the table and sitting nicely. The Royal Family’s commitment to dining decorum reflects their adherence to traditional etiquette rules. The article brings to light the meticulous attention to detail and protocol observed in Royal dining settings, showcasing their dedication to preserving these customs through generations.