The regal dining rules you should know…
Dining like a royal isn’t just about fine china and elaborate meals—it’s about mastering etiquette, grace, and poise at the table. From how to hold your cutlery to the unspoken rules of polite conversation, the British royal family follows centuries-old traditions that reflect elegance and respect.
To uncover the secrets behind royal dining etiquette, JM Entertainment spoke with London-based etiquette expert Catherine Davenport, who has trained individuals and families on formal dining and social grace for over a decade.
“Royal etiquette isn’t about being perfect—it’s about creating an atmosphere of elegance, confidence, and respect at the table,” says Catherine Davenport. “Whether you’re at a family dinner, a business lunch, or a formal event, these small but powerful habits can help anyone dine with poise.”
So, how exactly do you eat like a royal? Here are some of the most important royal dining rules you can apply to your own meals.
1. The Proper Way to Hold Cutlery
One of the biggest etiquette mistakes people make is holding their cutlery incorrectly. Royals follow the “Continental Style” of dining, which means:
Fork in the left hand, knife in the right – The fork’s tines should face down, and you should use your knife to gently push food onto the back of your fork.
Never “saw” your food – Cutlery should be used delicately. The knife should be used for guiding, not hacking through food.
Resting position matters – When pausing, the knife and fork should be placed in an inverted “V” on the plate, with the tips touching. When finished, they should be placed parallel at 4 o’clock to signal to the waiter.
2. How to Hold a Teacup the Royal Way
Afternoon tea is a classic royal tradition, and there’s a right and wrong way to hold a teacup:
Pinch the handle with your thumb and index finger, while the middle finger supports underneath.
Never hook your fingers through the handle—this is considered improper.
Sip from the same spot each time to avoid lipstick stains or smudges on the cup.
3. Napkin Etiquette—The Royal Way
A napkin is more than just a piece of cloth—it’s a silent communication tool in royal dining:
Place your napkin on your lap immediately after sitting down.
Dab, don’t wipe. Always blot your mouth with gentle dabs—never wipe aggressively.
Leaving the table? Place your napkin neatly on your chair, not on the table.
4. The Royal “No Elbows on the Table” Rule
You’ve probably heard this rule before, but in royal dining, there’s a reason for it:
Elbows on the table = poor posture and slouching, which is considered disrespectful in formal settings.
Hands should remain in your lap when not using cutlery.
Sitting straight and keeping a relaxed posture displays confidence and respect.
5. The One Rule That Signals the Meal Is Over
In royal settings, the King signals when the meal is finished—and when he’s done, everyone is done. While you won’t have to follow this in your own home, here’s the royal-approved way to signal you’re finished eating:
Place your knife and fork together at a diagonal angle across the plate.
Never push your plate away or stack plates—that’s the waiter’s job.
Wait for the host to finish before leaving the table.
