Queen Elizabeth’s Shocking, Bizarre Rule When Hosting Banquets At Buckingham Palace Revealed

Queen Elizabeth II has a shocking and bizarre rule when hosting banquets.

The monarch is used to hosting dinners and receptions, but she reportedly has set of rules when entertaining guests at Buckingham Palace. Some actually find the Queen’s rule surprising.

Queen Elizabeth II always makes sure that there is never 13 guests in total at one of her formal dinners or intimate candlelight reception. However, she doesn’t actually believe in the old wives’ tale that 13 is an unlucky number, but she has some supernatural beliefs.

“She won’t let 13 people sit down at a dinner table, not because she is superstitious but in case guests are,” Phil Dampier told Fabulous Digital. “She does believes in ghosts and has several lucky charms in her handbag.”

Aside from this, there are other traditions that need to be followed for the lavish state banquets. For instance, it takes five days to set the table. The 2,000 silver-gilt knives, forks and spooks laid out for 150 guests are a mix of different pieces collected by George IV in the early 19th Century. Also, each diner has a precise measure for their place setting.

On Tuesday, Queen Elizabeth II reunited with Kate Middleton, Prince Charles, Camilla Parker Bowles, Donald Trump and Melania Trump at Buckingham Palace for the NATO reception. Prince William didn’t make it to the event since he is on an official tour to Kuwait. On the other hand, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were also not present because they are currently on a six-week break from their royal duties.

Aside from Queen Elizabeth II’s bizarre tradition in hosting banquets, she also has a particular request on how her drinks should be served especially when she is at home. The Queen wants her drink to be served in round-shaped ice for a reason.

“The Queen likes her ice cubes in her glass to be round so they don’t chink quite as much as square ones,” author Karen Dolby explained.