King Charles' former butler reveals one ingredient the Queen 'never indulged' in
According to a former royal butler, the royal family has a very specific tea drinking schedule - and there are certain ways the family enjoy their favourite drink
A cup of tea is a staple in most family homes - and it's no different for the royal family. Now a former royal butler has shared just how the monarchy enjoy a warm cup just like the rest of us and spilled some of the secrets behind their drinking habits.
Grant Harrold served as King Charles ' personal butler at Highgrove from 2004 to 2011, and said tea and coffee is typically served six times a day in a royal household, and the King is known for enjoying multiple cups to keep him fueled while working at his desk.
The former butler revealed the late Queen never opted for anything sweet in her tea or coffee, and Charles also stays clear of sweet additions, and the staff have to stick to the royal drinking schedule - as he breaks down the specific times everyone indulges in a hot drink.
Grant revealed to Coffee Friend that while older members of the family prefer a more civilised affair with a cup and saucer, Prince William and Kate Middleton are happy to enjoy a brew in a mug.
"The amount of time a tea or coffee is brewed is a personal choice. Everyone likes their coffee at different strengths, but the royals want to be able to taste their cup of tea or coffee, without it being stewed," Grant revealed. "It will take a couple of minutes for a cup of tea, but if they're making coffee in a cafetière, it will probably be four or five minutes for the best flavour."
When it comes to sweetness, Grant said the King stays away from sugar or sweeteners when he's having a coffee as he opts for a spoon of honey and detailed: "It's a great alternative and he's had it for years.
"We used to offer all members of the Royal family the choice to have sugar or sweeteners - but I must say, I have never seen the Queen or anyone indulge in sugar when having their coffee or tea."
The insider also shared Charles' love for both tea and coffee, and revealed he will have around "three to four cups a day, but it's offered regularly in case he "wants more" but there are specific types of tea that are drank.
"If you're at the Royal home, there will also be a Chinese or Indian tea on offer. Normally an Earl Grey or Assam will be within the selection. Tea bags are used from time to time, but Royals will definitely prefer tea leaves to a bag. It's more traditional," he further detailed.
As the tea types differ, so does the cup they will drink it from as well Grant shared, "If you're being entertained in the presence of the Royal family or at one of their homes, it's most likely you will drink out of a teacup and saucer.
"But it depends on which Royals are present. If you're in the kitchen with Princess Anne or Kate and William during a less formal visit, you can be sure you'll be given a mug. But if you're with the King and Queen, and it's more of an occasion, you'll probably be served tea or coffee in a cup and saucer or a demi cup."
He also revealed you won't be given a new cup if you are having more than one cup of tea or coffee. It's likely your cup will be taken away for a quick wash and then returned. Or if you are having it from a teapot, it won't be washed. "It isn't bad etiquette to use the same cup unless you change the type of drink."
According to Grant, this is what a royal's daily drinking schedule looks like:
Morning drink: 7:30am
Coffee and tea
Breakfast: 8am-10:30am
Tea and coffee served
Elevenses: 11am-12pm
Tea will be served with biscuits
Prelunch drink: 12:30pm-1pm
Alcoholic drink served
Lunchtime: 1:30pm-2:30pm
Coffee and herbal tea served
Afternoon tea: 4pm-6pm
Traditional breakfast tea
Pre dinner drinks: 7:30pm-8pm
Alcoholic choice
After dinner: 8:30pm-10:30pm
Coffee and herbal teas served
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