Revelations about the British Royal Family’s drinking habits have long intrigued the public, and now, insights from Princess Diana‘s former butler, Paul Burrell, are adding layers of intrigue to the royal narrative.
In his latest book, The Royal Insider, Burrell exposes the alcohol consumption habits of both the royals and their staff, detailing their unique relationship with drinks—especially gin.
Burrell spent over a decade at Buckingham Palace before moving into Diana’s household at Kensington Palace.
He describes an institution that, among insiders, earned the playful nickname “the gin palace.”
In his book, he reminisces about how “gallons of gin were consumed every week,” with hints that some of the drinking may not have been entirely legitimate.
In a rather amusing twist, Burrell describes how palace employees devised clever ways to sneak alcohol into private spaces.
Senior staff would instruct him to empty tonic water bottles nightly so they could refill them with gin.
Furthermore, footmen were sometimes seen carrying electric kettles—not filled with water, but brimming with gin for late-night gatherings.
The drinking culture within the Royal Family appears to be as rich as their history.
According to Burrell, the late Queen Elizabeth II was known for her preference for a gin and Dubonnet, a cocktail that she reportedly enjoyed before lunch, along with red wine during meals and martinis in the evening.
This routine mirrored that of her mother, the Queen Mother, who also had a fondness for gin.
More recent generations illustrate a contemporary take on the royal drinking habits.
Kate Middleton, now Princess Catherine, is said to appreciate a calming evening gin and tonic, a moment shared with her husband, Prince William, after a busy day of family life.
Their seamless balance of parenthood and leisure is reflective of a more modern royal lifestyle.
Even King Charles III, who is often viewed as the disciplined member of the family, has his indulgences.
He is known to enjoy a refined malt whiskey, specifically a glass of Laphroaig, as his choice of nightcap.
Despite his health-conscious demeanor, he embraces a good dram, suggesting that the taste for indulgence runs deep within the family.
In stark contrast is Prince William, who has earned a unique bid for sobriety with the nickname “One Pint Willy,” coined by his cousin’s husband, Mike Tindall.
This affectionate moniker speaks to William’s more moderate drinking habits.
Despite occasional indulgences, his approach aligns with his aspirations for a thoughtful, measured royal future.
Burrell’s candid memoir also touches on how Princess Diana differed from her royal peers in terms of alcohol choices.
She was known for her preference for white wine, particularly Chablis, alongside peach Bellinis at gatherings, starkly contrasting the gin traditionalists of her family.
Looking at Prince Harry, it seems he too has shifted towards healthier lifestyle choices post-marriage.
Once notorious for vigorous nightlife and vodka Red Bulls, he now reportedly starts his days with green juice, ever-evolving in his approach to health and wellness.
As for the other royal favorites, reports indicate that Princess Margaret favored a glass of Famous Grouse whiskey, showcasing that, while preferences may vary, the fondness for a drink is a consistent theme across generations.
Meanwhile, Meghan Markle once named her lifestyle blog after her preference for Tignanello wine, marking yet another addition to the royal drinking tapestry.
While the staff’s clandestine attempts to hide alcohol reveals a playful side to royal life, it’s clear that their drinking customs are deeply ingrained in their daily routines.
In a world where tradition meets modernity, the British Royal Family continues to keep their beverage habits both interesting and, at times, scandalously charming.
As we delve into these spirited revelations, we can’t help but wonder how the royals navigate their public persona alongside private indulgences.
The juxtaposition of their storied lineage with days spent sipping gin highlights a curious balance that remains captivating for many.
