The Queen refuses to be photographed doing a certain activity
Forgive us, but we're a sucker for a niche royal family rule, such as the ones that dictate a certain word can't be used around Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, or that while on a royal tour, each royal must always pack a spare black outfit.
Now, we've learned that The Queen has a certain stipulation in place surrounding when she will – and won't – be photographed. According to Long Live The Queen: 23 Rules for Living from Britain’s Longest-Reigning Monarch, a book on Her Majesty's reign by lifestyle and British-culture researcher, Bryan Kozlowski, The Queen is very firm on not being pictured while eating. Which actually seems entirely fair (cue: visions of poor Ed Miliband and his bacon sarnie ☹️).
Kozlowski writes that, "'You will not photograph the queen eating or drinking!' is one of the first thing photographers hear upon entering the Palace. Apparently it smacks too much of pre-revolutionary France." And adds, "No matter what the photographers are told, to ensure a pleasant meal at the Palace, it’s always advisable to keep a watchful eye on the Queen."
Why so? Well – here comes another niche royal rule! – although she may want to keep it low-key on the photo front, The Queen still dictates when the meal both starts and when it comes to an end.
"It might be one of her lesser-known prerogatives, but the Queen can ultimately determine how much (or how little) her guests eat by deciding, at any moment, to put her knife and fork down," Kozlowski explains. "And once she does, her staff gear into action, clearing everyone’s plate, regardless of whether they have finished or not."
Another fun anecdote that we can share, while we're on the topic of the Queen eating, is that she apparently had a whale of a time pranking a member of staff after finding a slug in her salad. (Apologies if you happen to be eating a salad whilst reading this).
There are also many reports that suggest Her Majesty is a pretty non-fussy eater in general, with a preference for munching Cornflakes from a Tupperware container for breakfast most mornings, along with a nice cup of tea and some biscuits.
Queenie – don't ever change!
The latest issue of Cosmopolitan UK is out now and you can SUBSCRIBE HERE.
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