Royal Dining Etiquette: Why Princess Charlotte and Her Brothers Dine Separately

When it comes to dining with the royals, kids have their own table.

Princess Charlotte and her brothers, Prince George and Prince Louis, are not allowed to join their parents at official dinners, even during festive occasions like Christmas.

Instead, they find themselves seated away from the adults.

As they grow older, they will eventually learn the ropes of polite conversation before being welcomed to the adult table—a rule that many parents of energetic children can understand all too well.

This tradition of separating children from adults during meals is a long-standing practice in royal households.

According to former royal chef Darren McGrady, the young royals are expected to sit apart until they can handle utensils properly and know the correct order to use them.

This strict protocol remains in place even during significant celebrations, emphasizing the importance of decorum at the dining table.

Interestingly, while the current royal family adheres to these rules, the late Princess Diana took a different approach.

McGrady recalls how Diana often broke the mold by dining with her sons, Prince William and Prince Harry.

She would sometimes even indulge them by watching television while eating, much to the queen's chagrin.

With no gadgets to distract them, Princess Catherine and Prince William now face the challenge of keeping their children engaged and well-behaved during meals.

Catherine and William, both raised without modern distractions, prioritize imaginative play and outdoor activities for their children.

In a candid discussion about family meals, Prince William shared that the success of dinner time largely hinges on what's served.

If the kids love the food, everything goes smoothly.

However, if the meal doesn't appeal to them, it can turn into a struggle.

The couple's commitment to instilling good dining habits in their children is evident.

Their nanny plays a crucial role in this process, ensuring that meals are balanced and introducing the kids to new dishes.

Interestingly, Prince William revealed that getting him and his brother Harry to eat vegetables was quite a task.

They were often bribed or had veggies cleverly hidden in their favorite foods.

When it came to feeding their firstborn, Prince George, the royal couple opted for organic baby food.

Queen Camilla received a crate of purees, but it seems unlikely that they were ever used.

According to McGrady, the royal family prefers homemade meals, crafted by their personal chefs rather than packaged options.

For William and Harry, their first tastes included pureed apples and pears, meticulously prepared to be lump-free.

As the children grow, their culinary experiences are anything but ordinary.

While many kids might be picky eaters, George, Charlotte, and Louis are expected to finish everything on their plates.

Reports from the exclusive Hurlingham Club in London suggest that when dining out, the young royals display impeccable behavior, eating what is served without fuss.

Their routine is tightly structured, with little room for negotiation.

The family's nanny, Maria Borallo, ensures that the children follow a consistent daily schedule.

Trained at the esteemed Norlin College in Bath, she brings a wealth of knowledge in child care to her role.

Her disciplined approach to parenting has been noted as a key factor in the children's upbringing.

Louise Herron, who has insight into the Wales family, describes the children's upbringing as “no-nonsense.”

The emphasis on discipline and etiquette at such a young age sets a strong foundation for their future.

It's clear that the royal family takes their responsibilities seriously, even when it comes to something as simple as mealtime.

As these young royals navigate their childhood, they are learning valuable lessons about manners and respect.

While they may not sit at the adult table just yet, the skills they acquire now will undoubtedly serve them well in the years to come.

The balance of tradition and modern parenting styles within the royal household creates a unique environment for George, Charlotte, and Louis, one that is sure to shape their characters as they grow.