Queen Elizabeth Afternoon Tea Recipes (2024)

RECIPES | Teatime

ByStephanie Wilson

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Queen Elizabeth Afternoon Tea Recipes: Hosting a royal tea fit for a queen becomes a bit easier when consulting the late Queen Elizabeth’s favorite teatime recipes, tea preferences, and even etiquette when taking tea with royalty.

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If serving an Afternoon Tea fit for a Queen is what you have in mind, we’ve gathered some of the late Queen Elizabeth’s favorite afternoon tea recipes. Along with royal guidance on how to properly drink tea, whether or not to raise your pinky, and an answer to an age-old debate over tea before milk.

Continue reading to view Queen Elizabeth’s Afternoon Tea recipes, her preferred tea, and how she liked it brewed and served.

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Her majesty’s former chief pastry chef tells the Telegraph that Queen Elizabeth enjoyed afternoon tea daily, without fail.

He said,

“Such an event is a more formal affair where the tea must be brewed just-so, the cream cakes filled with seasonal British fruit and the jam sandwiches cut into the shape of old English pennies.”

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“Every day she would have what we called a ‘cut cake’ – meaning she would cut a slice of it off – small cakes like eclairs or raspberry tartlets, and then scones: one day plain, the next day fruit. And two types of sandwiches: smoked salmon, or Sage Derby cheese and tomato, roast beef, or jam pennies.”

Darren McGrady, former person chef to Queen Elizabeth

On Tea: Does The Queen Pour the Milk in Before the Tea?

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“The British royal family love their tea as much as the rest of the nation! But where does the Queen stand on the age-old debate about whether you pour the milk in first, or the tea? Her Majesty’s royal butler Grant Harrold shared an insight into the Queen’s favourite tea and how to prepare the perfect brew. Drumroll please… the monarch is a fan of Assam and Earl Grey, and will always add the milkafterthe tea,”Hello!Magazine says.

Mr. Harrold has told the BBC that it’s a “myth that members of Royalty use their pinky when drinking, I have never seen that happen once.”

Hefurtherexplains the “‘correct’ way to make tea is to stir it back and forth never in a circle and never with the spoon touching the sides.”

Lastly, he advises that one should always sip delicately from your cup and never slurp.

On Scones: Jam or Cream First?

When it comes scones, what is known as the “great scone debate,” often comes up in conversation.

The sometimes contentious debate? Should the cream or the jam be spread first?

“Cream tea has been served in the UK since the 11th century and arguments surrounding the order of spreading the scone’s traditional toppings have ruminated ever since. While those in Devon typically spread the clotted cream first followed by jam, the Cornish tradition is to spread jam first followed by cream.”

If you’re curious as to how Queen Elizabeth reportedly preferred her scones, The Independent quotes comments from former Royal pastry chef Darren McGrady:

“The Queen always had homemade Balmoral jam first, with clotted cream on top at Buckingham Palace garden parties in the royal tea tent and all royal tea parties.”

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Queen Elizabeth and Her Favorite Tea

If you want to serve tea as Queen Elizabeth preferred, you’ll want to brew a pot of Earl Gray or Assam tea.

Her Majesty’s royal butler, Grant Harrold, says the Queen enjoyed “her Assam or her Earl Grey the traditional way, made with tea leaves in a teapot and poured into a fine bone china teacup. She will also use a strainer.”

Teas Preferred by Queen Elizabeth

When was Queen Elizabeth’s Afternoon Tea Served?

Royal traditionsays Afternoon Tea is celebrated “between 3 pm and 5 pm with an assortment of cakes, pastries, dainty sandwiches and, of course, scones with clotted cream, curd, and strawberry preserves.”

Royal Afternoon Tea is “served from elegant silver teapots into fine bone china teacups, Afternoon Tea and Cream Tea were set on low tables as the ladies relaxed in comfortable parlour chairs or in the garden.”

Etiquette Observed When Invited to Afternoon Tea with the Royalty

  • Upon the first meeting with royalty, one would address the former Queen as “Your Majesty” and after, then “Ma’am.” When departing, she would once again be addressed as “Your Majesty.”
  • When royalty enters a room, the proper form is to be standing.
  • Only the teacup should be raised when drinking… never the pinkie finger.
  • The teacup should always rest on the saucer when one is not drinking.
  • One is expected to stop eating once a member of the Royal Family has finished eating.

Queen Elizabeth’s Birthday

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Every year, Queen Elizabeth celebrated her birthday twice. She was born on April 21, 1926, and celebrates privately with her family.

Her official birthday was celebrated on the second Saturday in June with “Trooping the Colour,” also known as the Queen’s Birthday Parade.

The Mall outsideBuckingham Palace“is filled with flag-waving, Union Jack-clad merrymakers, all gathered to watch the official Trooping the Colour celebrations.”

Queen Elizabeth and a life of service.

“The Queen has ruled for longer than any other Monarch in British history, becoming a much loved and respected figure across the globe.”

I think I speak for my generation when I say that the example and continuity provided by The Queen is not only very rare among leaders but a great source of pride and reassurance.

The Duke of Cambridge

'I declare before you all that my whole life whether it be long or short shall be devoted to your service.'

On her twenty-first birthday, in a speech broadcast on the radio from Cape Town, The Queen (then Princess Elizabeth) dedicated her life to the service of the Commonwealth. pic.twitter.com/0URU2tEPj8

— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) March 9, 2020

A Garden Afternoon Tea Hosted by Queen Elizabeth

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Every year at Garden Parties across The Royal Residences, over 27,000 cups of tea, 20,000 tea sandwiches, and 20,000 slices of cake are consumed!”

Queen Elizabeth Books and Cookbooks

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Royal Teas: Seasonal Recipes from Buckingham Palace

Photo Credit:amazon.com

“What could be more quintessentially British than a spot of afternoon tea? It’s a hallowed tradition that’s taken particularly seriously at Buckingham Palace, where for more than a decade Royal Chef Mark Flanagan and his team have prepared an afternoon tea that reflects the best of this venerable tradition across the seasons, from springtime picnics to sophisticated summer garden parties and festive Christmas teas.”

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Darren’s Easy Seasons Entertaining

Photo Credit:amazon.com

Darren McGrady, the former personal chef to Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Diana, has curated and created delicious, easy recipes that will add an elegant touch to any meal without requiring hours of laboring in the kitchen.

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Town & Country: The Queen: A Life in Pictures

Photo Credit:amazon.com

"Since she succeeded to the throne in 1952, Queen Elizabeth II has become respected, celebrated, and beloved around the world. This stunning collection of powerful images illustrates her storied reign in all its glory."

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The Platinum Jubilee Cookbook: Recipes and stories

Photo Credit:amazon.com

"70 wonderful recipes, alongside profiles of Great British ingredients and diplomatic stories, to celebrate Her Majesty The Queen's Platinum Jubilee"

Queen Elizabeth Afternoon Tea Recipes

Queen Elizabeth's Favorite Afternoon Tea Recipes

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Queen Elizabeth's Favorite Chocolate Tea Cake

"'This chocolate biscuit cake is Her Royal Majesty the Queen's favorite afternoon tea cake by far,' chef Darren McGrady, The Royal Chef and former personal chef to Queen Elizabeth II," said. "This cake is probably the only one that is sent into the royal dining room again and again until it has all gone."

2

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Her Majesty's Carrot Cake

"This is a dark, spicy cake, deliciously moist and very moreish."

3

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A Royal Victoria Sponge Cake Recipe

A garden party favorite, the Victoria Sponge is named for Queen Elizabeth's great great grandmother.

4

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Queen Elizabeth's Drop Scones: A Perfect Teatime Treat

A quick and easy drop scones the late Queen Elizabeth is said to have loved.

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A Royal Recipe for Fruit Scones

"The Royal Pastry Chefs are happy to share their recipe for fruit scones, which traditionally would be served at Buckingham Palace every summer."

6

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Coronation Chicken Salad Sandwiches

"Originally created for Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953, Coronation Chicken Salad is still popular today."

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Penny Sandwiches

"Teatime consists of a ‘penny’ - With their tea, the family really enjoys a sandwich called “jam penny.” The food got its name because it is cut into circles the size of an old English penny."

For a sweet treat at tea, she may ask for her childhood favorite – jam pennies, tiny raspberry jam sandwiches cut into small circles the size of an old English penny. She used to snack on them with her little sister Princess Margaret in the nursery as kids, according to theTelegraph.

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Tea Sandwiches

The Queen always asks for at least two kinds of sandwiches with her afternoon tea. Often she chooses cucumber, smoked salmon, egg with mayonnaise, ham and mustard, or tuna. The bread is always either whole wheat or white bread, sliced thinly, and cut into squares with the corners cut off similar to an octagon-like shape.

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Chocolate Cupcake Recipe for Queen Elizabeth's 94th Birthday

In honor ofthe British monarch's 94th birthday today, her chefs shared a chocolate cupcake recipe on social media, complete with a little decorating inspiration.

More Afternoon Tea Ideas

  • How to Host an Easy Afternoon Tea
  • Taking Afternoon Tea Like the British
  • All our Afternoon Tea Recipes and Ideas here >>
Queen Elizabeth Afternoon Tea Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What did Queen Elizabeth have for afternoon tea? ›

The Queen enjoyed a traditional afternoon tea that included finger sandwiches with the crusts cut off; her favourite fillings included choices like smoked salmon and cream cheese or egg mayonnaise. She also had scones with jam and cream – with the jam on first.

What food is served at Royal afternoon tea? ›

Royal tradition says Afternoon Tea is celebrated “between 3 pm and 5 pm with an assortment of cakes, pastries, dainty sandwiches and, of course, scones with clotted cream, curd, and strawberry preserves.”

What was Queen Elizabeth's favorite meal? ›

Queen Elizabeth adhered to a daily teatime meal; her preference for delicate sandwiches with the crusts cut off was well-publicized. Her favorite version was reported to be smoked salmon with cream cheese. If the old adage is true, one should eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and dine like a pauper.

What's the difference between afternoon tea and royal tea? ›

Not referring to Darjeeling tea (the “champagne” of teas), a Royal Tea offers a glass of champagne or sherry in addition to the full afternoon tea menu, and sometimes a flower, fresh strawberries or a fourth course, to give the meal an air of festive luxury.

What tea do they drink at Buckingham Palace? ›

As it goes her Majesty loves nothing better than a cup of tea to start her day off right and her all-time favourite is a refreshing drop of Earl Grey with a splash of milk and no sugar. Before you ask, according to her former butler Grant Harold, she's a stickler for tradition.

What tea do they drink in Buckingham Palace? ›

The Royal Family and Tea Time Today

Queen Elizabeth II was known to enjoy a cup of Earl Grey tea in the morning, while King Charles is a fan of Darjeeling tea. The royal family also hosts an annual garden party at Buckingham Palace, where guests are treated to tea, sandwiches, and cakes.

What is a typical British afternoon tea menu? ›

There aren't any rules when it comes to the food, but a standard afternoon tea menu comprises a tier of sandwiches, a tier of cakes and one of scones or teacakes. But you could also throw in pastries, petit*-fours or biscuits. Don't wear yourself out by taking on too many ambitious bites.

What's the difference between high tea and afternoon tea? ›

Whilst they both include tea as a beverage, afternoon tea includes delicate pastries, little sandwiches, scones and cakes. Whereas high tea is typically a more wholesome meal of meat, potatoes and vegetables served after a long hard day at work.

What is the queens favorite tea? ›

Twinings of London Earl Gray Black Tea

Speaking of tea… You might as well try a cup of the queen's favorite. It's been reported that Her Majesty often enjoyed Twinings of London Earl Gray Black Tea — a classic and all-natural selection that includes notes of citrus and bergamot — with a splash of milk and no sugar.

What is Princess Diana's favorite food? ›

Lady Di, as she was also known, was very health conscious and in keeping with this life choice, her favorite meal — according to the royal chef who cooked for her for four years — was an oddly normal offering: stuffed bell peppers.

What sandwich did Queen Elizabeth eat every day? ›

Former Royal Chef Darren McGrady says that Queen Elizabeth ate her favorite snack, jam sandwiches (aka jam pennies), every day for more than 90 years.

What time does Queen go to bed? ›

The Queen sleeps 8.5 hours each night. She goes to bed at the same time each night (11 p.m.). The article notes that experts recommend going to bed at the same time, as it trains your body to feel sleepy as you approach that hour. She eats light, protein-filled meals at regular times.

What are three rules for afternoon tea? ›

Of course, never take a drink of your tea without removing the spoon first, and please never, ever sip from the spoon. Take small, quiet sips of your tea. Do not blow on the tea if it is too hot. When you are not drinking tea, place the cup on the saucer.

Can two people share afternoon tea? ›

i suggest one person order the entire high tea and the other person order just a pot of tea. there will be more than enough food! we did that and it worked out great.

What is the order of food for afternoon tea? ›

The correct order to eat the traditional Afternoon Tea is to eat the sandwiches and savouries first, then move onto the scones, ending on the sweets. There are many traditions and superstitions about the way you should eat your scones.

What did the Queen drink every afternoon? ›

At lunch, the queen used to have a piece of chocolate and a glass of wine after she was done with her meal. The queen also had dry gin martini and this secret was revealed by her cousin Margaret Rhodes. And finally, the queen had her last drink of the day, a glass of champagne before she went to bed.

What did the Queen eat every afternoon? ›

Then, in the late afternoon, McGrady says, the Queen will have an afternoon tea. (The Queen always has scones with jam and clotted cream - and she puts jam on first). He explained: “She'd always have afternoon tea wherever she was in the world. We'd flown out to Australia and were on the Royal Yacht.

Does the Queen eat afternoon tea? ›

It's really, really important when making tea is that it's made in a teapot—that is a real cup of tea." McGrady also shared that the Queen's favorite meal is "probably" afternoon tea. "The Queen had afternoon tea every day, wherever she was in the world.

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