As the Royal Family gathers at Sandringham for Christmas 2025, one question has tea lovers buzzing: What exactly does Kate Middleton drink?
The Princess of Wales, who made a triumphant return to public life this month after her cancer treatment, has a tea order that might surprise you. And it breaks a few royal traditions along the way.
Kate’s Exact Tea Order
According to royal sources, Kate Middleton’s go-to is Earl Grey tea with honey.
Not cream. Not sugar. Honey.
It’s a distinctly un-fussy choice for someone married to the future King of England. Earl Grey, that bergamot-scented classic, paired with the natural sweetness of honey creates a sophisticated but accessible cuppa.
Prince William’s Tea Preference
Her husband keeps it even more traditional: Prince William reportedly prefers a classic English Breakfast tea.
The robust, malty blend is Britain’s most popular tea for good reason—it’s the no-nonsense choice of someone who probably has more important decisions to make than fussing over exotic tea varieties.
The Royal Tradition They’re Breaking
Here’s where it gets interesting. Former palace butler Grant Harrold revealed a surprising difference between William and Kate’s tea service and that of senior royals like King Charles.
“If you’re in the kitchen with Princess Anne or Kate and William during a less formal visit, you can be sure you’ll be given a mug,” Harrold explained.
A mug. Not a cup and saucer. Not fine bone china.
“However, if you’re with the King and Queen, and it’s more of an occasion, you’ll probably be served tea or coffee in a cup and saucer or a demi cup.”
It’s a small detail that speaks volumes about how the next generation of royals is modernizing the monarchy—one casual tea service at a time.
The Royal Christmas Tea Tradition
This week, the Royal Family is following their traditional Christmas schedule at Sandringham:
- Christmas Eve: Family members arrive in time for tea, with gifts exchanged around teatime in the German tradition dating back to Queen Victoria and Prince Albert
- Christmas Day: After church and a traditional lunch, the family gathers at 3 PM to watch King Charles’s Christmas speech, followed by afternoon tea and desserts
It’s a marathon of tea drinking that would put most of us to shame.
Why Earl Grey with Honey?
Kate’s choice of honey over sugar is actually quite clever:
- Honey complements bergamot: The floral notes of honey pair beautifully with Earl Grey’s citrusy bergamot oil
- Health benefits: Raw honey contains antioxidants and has antibacterial properties
- Throat soothing: Given how much public speaking royals do, honey’s soothing properties are practical
- Natural sweetness: A more wholesome choice than refined sugar
How to Make Kate’s Tea
Want to drink like a princess? Here’s how to replicate Kate’s order:
- Boil fresh water (not reboiled—it affects the taste)
- Use loose leaf Earl Grey for best results, or a quality tea bag
- Steep for 3-5 minutes depending on desired strength
- Add a teaspoon of raw honey while the tea is still warm (but not boiling, to preserve honey’s benefits)
- Skip the milk—Earl Grey traditionally goes without
A Return to the Spotlight
This Christmas marks a special moment for Kate, who revealed her cancer diagnosis in March 2024 and has been gradually returning to public duties. Seeing her at the Buckingham Palace Christmas luncheon with William and their children—George, Charlotte, and Louis—has been heartwarming for royal watchers worldwide.
And now we know that when she’s celebrating with family, she’s doing it with a simple mug of Earl Grey and honey in hand.
Sometimes the most elegant choice is the most understated one.
Are you an Earl Grey fan? Share your favorite way to enjoy it in the comments.