Helen Mirren reveals how she ‘embarrassed’ herself during tea with the Queen

By Lucy Buglass
Drinking tea with the Queen isn’t an everyday occurrence, but Helen Mirren had the opportunity to do just that. However, she admitted she had a “lesson in embarrassment” after forgetting royal protocol.
Dame Helen Mirren won an Oscar for her portrayal as Queen Elizabeth II in the 2007 film The Queen, but she found it very hard to keep her cool during an intimate tea with Her Majesty and Prince Philip.
Speaking at an event in New York, called Helen Mirren and Hawk Koch Discuss The Magic of Movies, she opened up about her awkward experience when sitting down for tea with the royals.
Dame Helen revealed that she forgot how to address the Duke of Edinburgh, after wanting to ask him to pass her the milk.
Explaining the scenario, she said, “She invited me for tea. 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.”
But the actress was very shocked to find out she was only one of eight guests invited to Buckingham Palace, making it a very intimate occasion.
MORE: Dame Helen Mirren exclusive: ‘I’m not a sex symbol!’
“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.”
Helen found it difficult to contribute to the conversation, as she didn’t know anything about horses and she ended up “desperately trying to make polite conversation”.
She continued, “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?'”
MORE: The Queen makes history as she’s the first royal to ban real fur from her wardrobe
Helen then revealed her protocol struggling, saying, “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?”
Eventually Helen Mirren decided to not have any milk at all, and instead drank her tea black. She added, “I finished up not having any milk. I just couldn’t sort it out.”
However, she described the whole experience as a “lesson in embarrassment”, adding that the Queen and Prince Philip were “lovely” and “utterly gracious”.
We're glad she still enjoyed her visit, despite the slightly awkward moment!
-
-
How to do a pro-worthy facial at home
This week in lockdown beauty: learn how to DIY a facial at home.
By Miriam Herst-Stein •
-
Long hairstyles that flatter every face shape and will never go out of style
Get inspired with our pick of the best long hairstyles and expert tips on how to make long hair work for you
By Fiona McKim •
-
Michelle Obama’s 'Becoming' has been re-released for a younger audience
Michelle Obama’s 'Becoming' has been re-released with a new lovely message for her younger audience
By Laura Harman •
-
Princess Eugenie shares hopes for her son August in new interview
Princess Eugenie has opened up about her hopes for her son August’s future
By Laura Harman •
-
Married At First Sight's Cam and Jules reveal they 'didn't find each other attractive' initially
“It wasn’t love at first sight, but it was a vibe at first sight.”
By Emma Dooney •
-
Will Smith opens up about why he's choosing to speak about his experiences with racism now
Will Smith has recently opened up about his experience with racism in a new interview
By Laura Harman •
-
Queen’s cousin and his wife take part in remarkable challenge in support of vital charity
The Duke of Gloucester is Her Majesty's first cousin
By Emma Shacklock •
-
When does Line of Duty season 6 start? We finally have a date for AC-12's return
Everything you need to know about the show's sixth series, from new cast members to the questions we need answering
By Lucy Abbersteen •
-
Demi Lovato rejects ‘diet culture’ in a message about body positivity
Demi Lovato has revealed that she is full on ‘divine wisdom’ as she conquers her previous issues with eating
By Laura Harman •
-
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex is ‘saddened’ by Kensington Palace ‘bullying’ claims
A spokesperson has said Meghan is 'deeply committed' to supporting those who have 'experienced pain and trauma'
By Emma Shacklock •