Princess Eugenie has shared an interesting insight into the royal family’s Christmas traditions, revealing a peculiar rule that she and other royals are forbidden from breaking at the table.
In a candid conversation on the Table Manners podcast with singer Jessie Ware and her mother Lenny, Princess Eugenie disclosed that putting their knees up at the table was strictly prohibited for her and her sister, Princess Beatrice.
While many are already aware of the strict protocols followed by the royal family, the 33-year-old mother of two divulged some unexpected details about royal life.
She explained that her mother, Sarah Ferguson, had instilled the no-knees-at-the-table rule.
“So if I had a knee at the table, my mum would be like, ‘Are they invited to lunch?
Are they invited to dinner?’
And so they’d be down,” Princess Eugenie humorously shared.
Although the rule may seem amusing, it is strictly enforced.
Princess Eugenie revealed that even on holidays or when her friends visit, her mother insists on proper table manners.
“So now, if we’re on holiday or if my friends are around and they put their knees up, my mum’s like, ‘Get those knees down’,” she added.
However, Princess Eugenie clarified that knees are always welcome at her family home, where she resides with her husband, Jack.
When asked if knees will ever be invited to lunch, she responded with a resounding “Yeah.”
During the podcast conversation, Princess Eugenie also discussed growing up with two sets of table manners.
One set was reserved for more formal settings, such as dining with the late Queen Elizabeth, while the other set was used at home.
She explained, “We had table manners for like really little people.
So when we were with Granny, and table manners Z was when we were at home.”
As Christmas approaches, the royal family’s schedule is becoming increasingly hectic.
According to ITV’s royal editor, Chris Ship, the Queen has invited her children and grandchildren for Christmas lunch at the King’s Sandringham Estate, following tradition.
Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, will also be present with her children from her previous marriage, Tom Parker Bowles and Laura Lopes.
In the week leading up to Christmas Day, the monarch typically hosts a luncheon at Buckingham Palace for extended members of the royal family.
This gathering allows the King and Queen to celebrate the festive season with relatives they won’t be able to see on the actual day, including Zara and Mike Tindall and their three children.
On Christmas Eve, a select group of royals will gather at Sandringham House for a traditional dinner, where they exchange low-key and often humorous gifts.
It is a time for the family to come together and enjoy each other’s company before the busy Christmas Day festivities commence.
While Princess Eugenie’s revelation about the no-knees-at-the-table rule may seem unusual, it adds to the intrigue surrounding the royal family’s traditions.
As they gather to celebrate Christmas, they will undoubtedly uphold their customs and create cherished memories together.