Princess Eugenie’s Christmas Table Rule Revealed

Princess Eugenie is gearing up for Christmas festivities, but there's one peculiar rule she and other royals must abide by at the dining table this holiday season.

The princess recently shared insights into her family's traditions during a candid conversation on the Table Manners podcast with singer Jessie Ware and her mother, Lenny.

A surprising revelation emerged during the chat – Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie were strictly forbidden from resting their knees on the table.

This unusual dining etiquette was enforced by Eugenie's mother, Sarah Ferguson, who humorously questioned the presence of knees at mealtime.

Reflecting on her upbringing, Princess Eugenie disclosed that her mother's knee rule was a lighthearted but firm aspect of their household manners.

Even today, Eugenie continues to uphold this tradition in her own family home, where knees are always expected to be kept off the table.

Despite the strict knee policy, Princess Eugenie mentioned that the same level of formality did not always apply when dining with her grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II.

She explained how she navigated between two sets of table manners – one for casual family meals and another for formal occasions involving the monarch.

As the holiday season approaches, members of the royal family are preparing for the annual Christmas gatherings.

Traditionally, the royals assemble at the King's Sandringham Estate for Christmas lunch, where the Queen extends invitations to her children and grandchildren.

In addition to the main Christmas Day celebration, the Queen hosts a pre-Christmas luncheon at Buckingham Palace for extended family members like Zara and Mike Tindall and their children.

This festive gathering allows the monarch and her family to connect with relatives who may not be present on the actual holiday.

On Christmas Eve, a select group of royals convene at Sandringham House for a traditional dinner, exchanging modest and often humorous gifts.

The intimate gathering sets the stage for a warm and familial start to the Christmas festivities within the royal circle.

Princess Eugenie's insights offer a glimpse into the unique blend of tradition and modernity that characterizes royal family life during the holiday season.

With each member observing their own set of customs and protocols, Christmas in the royal household promises to be a blend of formality and familial warmth.