One of the highlights of any state visit is the extravagant state banquet, where royals dress in their finest, including tiaras, and wow their visitors.
However, it's not just royals who attend these events; prominent figures from the worlds of business, entertainment and politics are also in attendance.
But there are a few rules that need to be followed when dining with the royals, including some mandating when you're actually allowed to eat the food in front of you.
Find out more below…
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© Getty ImagesGuests should take their seats quickly
Don't mingle
You might think one of the best things about heading to a state banquet is mingling with the other guests ahead of the meal, but once you enter the dining hall, taking your time to talk to the other guests is actually considered quite rude. You're expected to take your seat immediately, after which further rules dictate with whom you may talk.
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© Getty ImagesConversation is only held between guests sitting with each other
No talking across the table
Once you're seated, you had better hope whoever you're sitting with can hold an interesting conversation. Guests are only allowed to talk to people who are sitting directly adjacent to them, hence why the monarch is always seated next to the guest of honour. Talking across the table is the height of rudeness.
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© Getty ImagesYou'll need empty hands when talking with royalty
No holding glasses
Ahead of the state banquet, certain guests will have the privilege of being presented to the royals. Guests are, of course, expected to bow or curtsy, but they should also be empty-handed when meeting the royals, so no half-finished glasses of champagne.
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© Getty ImagesA simple raise suffices
Don't clink your glass
While many of us at social events may clink our glasses before drinking, this shouldn't be done at a state banquet. Instead, just raise the glass so you acknowledge the other guests.
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© Getty ImagesThe late Queen was known for eating quickly
Don't eat before the monarch
When the delicious meal is served, your first instinct might be to jump straight in, but you're actually not allowed to start eating until the monarch has begun their meal. Similarly, guests should stop eating as soon as the monarch has finished. The late Queen Elizabeth was reportedly a fast eater, so guests needed to be equally speedy.
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© Getty ImagesYou'll need to hold on with your bladder
No bathroom breaks
You might want to moderate your drinking at a state banquet, as once you're seated, you're not allowed to get up to go to the toilet for the entirety of the meal. The only exception to this is in the case of pregnant women, but when they leave, they must cross their utensils on their plate so that staff know that they have not yet finished their meal.
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© Getty ImagesGuests can't be the first to leave
Don't leave first
Sometimes you can't wait to leave a dinner party, but when you're hosted by the monarch, you're staying for a while. Unless there are major extenuating circumstances, guests aren't allowed to leave until the royals have departed.
