In his new book, The Royal Insider, Paul Burrell, Princess Diana’s former butler, recounts his time at Buckingham Palace, describing it as a “gin palace,” where the drinks never stopped flowing. He reveals that gallons of gin were consumed every week, some “legitimately,” and others not so much. Burrell explains how members of the royal household would often smuggle booze for private soirées, with staff members instructed to refill tonic water bottles with gin and even carry kettles full of the spirit.
The royal family’s fondness for alcohol was no secret, according to royal experts. The Queen Mother, known for her love of a tipple, enjoyed a gin and Dubonnet at noon, red wine at lunch, martinis in the evening, and pink champagne after dinner. Similarly, Queen Elizabeth II preferred a gin and Dubonnet before lunch, wine with her meal, and sometimes a dry martini or champagne in the evening. Princess Diana, on the other hand, was known to enjoy white wine, particularly Chablis, and peach Bellinis at social events.
Prince William, however, has earned the nickname “One Pint Willy” due to his low alcohol tolerance, which stands in contrast to the more robust drinking habits of other royal family members. While William has been known to enjoy a kamikaze shot in his younger years, he now reportedly sticks to more moderate drinking, particularly beer, and has a reputation for not overindulging.
In contrast, Prince Harry, who once had a reputation for heavy drinking, has reportedly embraced a healthier lifestyle, starting his day with green juice. This shift in Harry’s habits, likely influenced by his wife Meghan Markle, underscores the family’s evolving relationship with alcohol in a modern context.
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