According to Paul Burrell, Princess Diana’s former butler, Buckingham Palace was quite the drinking hub—he described it as a “gin palace” where the alcohol flowed freely. Burrell, who served the royal family for over a decade before transitioning to Kensington Palace, recently published a book titled *Royal Insider*. In this book, he claims that a surprising volume of gin gets consumed weekly, noting that some of it is legally obtained while other sources are a bit murkier.
He shares that he quickly learned the family’s clever tricks for sneaking alcohol into the palace for gatherings. A particularly entertaining memory involved being instructed by senior staff to replace tonic water in screw-top bottles with gin for use during parties. Burrell’s anecdotes even extend to soldiers reportedly hauling Russell Hobbs kettles filled with gin instead of water.
Royal commentators suggest that hidden drinking isn’t limited to staff alone. Richard Fitzwilliams remarked that it was well-known among palace insiders that the Queen Mother liked to indulge, often enjoying gin and Dubonnet early in the day, followed by red wine at lunch and martinis later. He mentioned that Queen Elizabeth II herself has a fondness for gin and Dubonnet, while Princess Margaret reportedly enjoyed Famous Grouse whisky, and even Kate Middleton is known to relax with a gin and tonic in the evenings. Interestingly, Meghan Markle named her blog after her favorite wine, Tignanello.
In a more intimate glimpse into their family life, a friend of the royal family revealed that Prince William often treats Kate to a gin and tonic after their children are in bed, highlighting their supportive relationship.
Moreover, even King Charles, despite his reputation for healthy living, is not averse to a leisurely drink now and then. Author Valentine Lowe shared that while Charles generally keeps to light meals, he once enjoyed a nightcap with a government minister on the royal train, discussing everything from politics to personal stories, before eventually bidding goodbye with a discreet knock indicating the end of the evening.
Lowe also noted that Charles prefers a carefully balanced martini, maintaining his image as a thoughtful consumer. Meanwhile, Queen Elizabeth reportedly had set habits of drinking Dubonnet and gin at certain times during the day, emphasizing both routine and indulgence.
For significant occasions, it’s said that the Queen enjoyed Bollinger champagne, a staple for the royal family since the 19th century. Her husband, Prince Philip, had a more casual approach to drinking, favoring beer over wine, with Boddington’s Bitter being a notable choice.
As for the younger generation, Prince William is known for having a lower alcohol tolerance compared to his relatives. He has affectionately earned the nickname “One Pint Willy,” a moniker revealed by a former rugby player during a podcast. This distinction in drinking habits showcases a varied landscape of preferences within the royal family.
Reflecting on the past, Burrell also mentions Princess Diana’s unconventional style regarding alcohol. While she didn’t follow a strict drinking routine, she was known to relish white wine like Chablis at social events. Similarly, Prince Harry, who once enjoyed wild nights out, appears to have shifted focus toward a healthier lifestyle influenced by his wife, reportedly starting his days with green juice now.
