Welcome to Royal Wedding Week High Tea Fit For A Queen. As a rule the Queen takes her tea in her private quarters between 4 ~ 5 every afternoon. It is believed that the tradition of taking tea was begun in the 17th century by the French. Prior to the introduction of tea into Britain, the English only had two meals~ breakfast and dinner. Sometime during the middle of the eighteenth century, dinner for the upper and middle classes was changed from noontime to an evening meal that was served at a fashionably late hour.
The Royal Family taking tea at the Royal Lodge by artist Sir James GUNN, 1950
Royal Wedding Week High Tea Fit For A Queen
According to legend, it was one of Queen Victoria’s ladies-in-waiting, Anna Maria Stanhope, also known as the Duchess of Bedford, who is credited as the creator of afternoon tea. As the noon meal had become skimpier, the Duchess suffered from “a sinking feeling” at about four o’clock in the afternoon. The Duchess had her servants sneak her a pot of tea and a few breadstuffs. Soon she adopted the European tea service format and invited friends to join her for an additional afternoon meal at five o’clock in her rooms at Belvoir Castle. The menu featured small cakes, bread and butter sandwiches, assorted sweets, and tea. This summer practice proved so popular, the Duchess continued it when she returned to London, sending cards to her friends asking them to join her for “tea and a walking the fields.”
The Duchess of Bedford
Queen Victoria
Queen Victoria with two family members attended by her Indian servants enjoying the outdoors at Nice in the south of France, 1895.
Queen Victoria with Prince Henry of Battenburg, her daughter, Princess Beatrice, and their children in the Oak Room at Windsor Castle, 1896.
Queen Victoria Taking High Tea with her granddaughter, (daughter of Princess Alice) Tsarina Alexandra of Russia.
King George VI
Queen Elizabeth
Several cups are enjoyed throughout the day, no matter where she is. Indeed it has been reported numerous times that afternoon tea is her Majesty’s favorite meal.
The age-old question is finally answered, PINKIES DOWN!
Princess Diana
Diana, Princess of Wales, was also a lover of tea.
She was often seen enjoying the beverage.
One can assume that she passed this love on to her two sons, Princes William and Harry.
Both the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge seem to have a fondness for tea.
It is often served to visiting dignitaries at Kensington Palace.
Cream Tea, Light Tea, and Full (or High) Tea
There are various levels of tea. They include Cream Tea~ which is tea, scones, jam, and cream. Light Tea – tea, scones, and other sweets. Full Tea, also known as High Tea, is more of a meal and features tea, savories (tiny sandwiches and appetizers), scones, sweets, and desserts.
Taking tea outside goes back to the days when tea was quite rare and costly. It was a display of wealth to show others you could afford it.
But as trade became easier it was enjoyed by everyone. The classic “Brown Betty” teapot is a teapot that is round with a manganese brown glaze known as Rockingham glaze. The original teapots came from red clay that was discovered in the Stoke-on-Trent area of Britain, in 1695.
Mrs. Patmore always had a pot brewing on Downton Abbey.
What The Queen Serves At Tea
Her Majesty’s tea is served at 5 pm. It is not elaborate but it is indulgent. There is usually a large cake which she cuts slices off. Chocolate is her favorite and there is no waste. Fruitcakes are often repeatedly served for up to two weeks as they improve with age. There are also smaller pastries as well as scones. The Queen likes to alternate scone flavors. One day plain, the next day fruit.
Sandwiches are generally smoked salmon or cucumber. Queen Elizabeth likes them cut lengthways without the crust.
The Queen pours the tea herself. She has her own special blend of Darjeeling and Assam, which is known as Queen Mary’s blend. Indeed Royal ladies have always enjoyed tea. The Queen Mum even had a cookbook, A Taste of Mey, published of her favorite recipes that were often served at tea.
Here is Princess Elizabeth enjoying tea as a child.
I’ll be back tomorrow with my Royal Wedding tea and Wedding Breakfast tables.
Laura
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Monday Day 1: Royal Wedding Week Posts and Where To Watch
Tuesday Day 2: Royal Wedding Party Ideas
Wednesday Day 3: R.W.W. What To Wear
Friday Day 5: Royal Wedding Breakfast and Tablescape
My dad’s stepmother was British, and enjoyed tea and toast every afternoon when visiting with us. I grew up with a love for all things tea related. Sadly, I can only drink herbal tea now due to food sensitivities. Praying over time that will change.
Loved every word, every photo, every image. I’ll be thinking of you tomorrow!
Fascinating! Loved the picture with the Queen’s Corgis on her bed.