No garlic, no spaghetti and Princess Kate's other absurd etiquette rules

Being part of the royal family means accepting an endless list of strict rules. The most bizarre ones concern the code of conduct at the table, especially those that Princess Kate must keep, because of her role as heir, but also as a woman.

The rules for Princess Kate at the table

Kate Middleton, since 2011 wife of the heir to the throne William, Prince of Wales, and future queen consort, must follow a very strict code of conduct. Among the many rules (there are hundreds, including a ban on playing Monopoly, taking off her coat in public if it is hot, or taking a selfie), there are some that concern table manners.

Forbidden foods

There is a list of forbidden foods for members of the royal family. According to royal protocol guidelines, Princess Kate should avoid eating risky foods in public. She is forbidden to eat shellfish, for example, when travelling because they could cause food poisoning. Ditto for tap water, bottled water only, and spicy foods.

Carbohydrates are also banned, in deference to the late Queen who was not a fan of pasta, rice or potatoes. Darren McGrady, former personal chef to Queen Elizabeth II, said that in the past royals have been told to 'go easy on the garlic', as they are often required to converse with other dignitaries and members of the public. She also admitted in a 2016 interview with The Sun that royal cooks were forbidden to use 'too much onions' in their dishes for similar reasons. Cooks were also advised never to cook meat rare.

Getting up from the table

Etiquette is a bit of a thing of the past. But not within the royal family. The Princess of Wales has to follow a particular protocol during meals. Some of the rules are rather obvious, such as avoiding getting dirty or slobbering on food, but others are a bit more peculiar, such as what Princess Kate can and must say when getting up from the table. She will have to say under her breath 'I apologise' if she has to go to the toilet. Before doing so, however, she crosses her fork and knife over her plate if she has not finished: this signals to the wait staff that she will be back.

The napkin ritual

Among the table rules that the royal family must follow is how to fold the napkin and how to wipe their mouths during the meal. The royal family must fold the napkin in half and then, when needed, use the part inside the fold to wipe their mouths. This is to avoid staining the elegant clothes. The fold also makes it possible to hide dirt or lipstick stains.

Composure

The knees and feet of the women of the royal family must always be together. Legs cannot be crossed. Consequently, they must sit with their legs folded to the side. This rule is not at all required of male royals, who can sit comfortably and hold their legs naturally.

No food as a gift

Princess Kate cannot accept food except in an approved royal ceremonial context. If someone tries to hand the Princess of Wales, for example, a cake while she is entering a public place, she is forbidden to accept it. But if the food is offered to her in an approved context, she cannot refuse it.

Dinner conversations

Although there is a specific reason for the seating at the table by the Office of the Court Marshal, it is well known that Princess Kate talks to the person on her right until the second course; then it is the turn of the person on her left.

When to stop eating

Still on the subject of etiquette during meals, it is crucial in the royal family to stop eating at the right time. If the King or Queen puts down their fork and knife signalling that they have finished their meal, the other people present must also do so, without being able to resume. Continuing to eat after the monarchs have stopped is considered extremely rude and a serious lack of good manners.

Princess Kate and tea

Princess Kate must drink tea the way King Charles likes it: prepared with loose tea leaves in a white teapot, the proportions are one teaspoon of leaves per cup of tea, plus one for the teapot. For green tea, the water must be heated to 70°C and to 100°C for Earl Grey. Permitted is organic honey added directly to the teapot and the cups placed with the teaspoon under the handle. The rules also explain how to hold the teacup: hold the teacup with your index finger and thumb against the top of the handle and, if necessary, use your middle finger to support the base of the handle. The saucer should be held with the other hand, no more than twenty centimetres away. The serving of tea is also regulated: tea is poured first, followed by milk. When stirring, one should never touch the sides of the cup with the spoon and, of course, one is not allowed to make noise while drinking.