Helen Mirren Was Mortified When She Forgot Royal Etiquette During Tea with the Queen
At an event on Friday, actress Helen Mirren shared a story about a "lesson in embarrassment" during a tea party with Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip.

Helen Mirren and Queen Elizabeth have history. Some of that history is great—the 74-year-old actress won an Academy Award for her portrayal of the monarch in 2006's The Queen and she's attended several receptions at Buckingham Palace with the royal. But, according to Mirren, not all of their encounters have gone perfectly.
On Friday, the actress shared a story about an awkward moment she shared during tea with Elizabeth and her husband, Prince Philip. And the tea party was awkward in so many ways.
"She invited me for tea," Mirren explained during her "Helen Mirren and Hawk Koch Discuss The Magic of Movies" event, according to People. "I thought it was going to be in a room with 200 other people, which it often is. I’ve met her once before and it was in a room with 200 other people. So I said, 'Oh well I can manage that.' So it was at the horsey place and the message came to me that the Queen would like to invite you to tea, she knows you’re here."
"So I walk in, and there’s like eight people sitting around a table. Prince Philip, the Queen, a Sheik of somewhere or other and a couple of horsey people. I know absolutely nothing about horses, at all, and the Queen knows everything about horses," she explained, adding that she was, "desperately trying to make polite conversation and it’s just coming out like gobbledygook."
"Then I got a cup of tea and the Queen, in particular, was having a very intense conversation about what’s in the sandwiches with Prince Philip, very important. ‘What is this? What’s in here?' The milk is on the other side of Prince Philip and I want some milk in my tea, but my brain goes completely dead and I cannot remember how to address Prince Philip.
"I mean, is it sir? Is it your majesty? Is it your highness? Is it rude to ask him to pass the milk? Or should I just ask for a lackey?"
So what did Mirren end up doing? Not having milk at all. "I finished up not having any milk. I just couldn’t sort it out," she said. "It’s a lesson in embarrassment, but they were lovely, they were utterly gracious."
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
RELATED STORIES
Kayleigh Roberts is a freelance writer and editor with over 10 years of professional experience covering entertainment of all genres, from new movie and TV releases to nostalgia, and celebrity news. Her byline has appeared in Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, The Atlantic, Allure, Entertainment Weekly, MTV, Bustle, Refinery29, Girls’ Life Magazine, Just Jared, and Tiger Beat, among other publications. She's a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.
-
I'll Copy Eiza González’s Flirty Ponytail on Repeat This Summer
The actor wore the look to the premiere of her new movie and accessorized the classic hairstyle. See her version here.
By Ariel Baker Published
-
Princess Diana Saw Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson's Divorce as a "Roadmap of How to Mess It Up"
The late princess used her brother-in-law and sister-in-law's split as a learning opportunity for her own breakup.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Zoë Kravitz Taps The Row's Mary Janes to Elevate a Semi-Sheer Skirt
The actor mixed spring-favorite accessories for a late night out.
By Hanna Lustig Published
-
Did Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet Just Make an Adorable Waffle Version of Queen Elizabeth's Face?
The Duchess of Sussex shared a fun St. Patrick's Day video that had fans making queenly connections.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
7 Times the Royal Family Broke Queen Elizabeth's More Understated "Rule"
These royal women are doing it their way.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Queen Elizabeth Reportedly Did an Incredible Impression of Melania Trump
The late monarch was a hilariously skilled mimic.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
The Queen Mother Loved Male Company at Events: "The Bigger the Rogue, the Better"
"She loved all the reprobates in racing," horse trainer Nicky Henderson revealed.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
King Charles and Queen Camilla's State Visit to Italy Has Been Thrown Into "Doubt" Amid Official's Health Concerns
The royals were set to visit Rome and Ravenna, and meet with Pope Francis.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Duchess Sophie Shows Her "Deep Connection" to Second Mom Queen Elizabeth With $30,000 Tribute
The royal duo shared a loving bond.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Queen Elizabeth's "True Favorite" Is Taking Over One of the Late Monarch's Beloved Roles
It's a position steeped in history.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Queen Camilla Had the Most Relatable Reaction to Meeting the "Least Dressed Man" at a Buckingham Palace Event
The Olympian and TV star joked that he "had a few more clothes on" for his previous visit.
By Amy Mackelden Published