Jump directly to the content

THE Queen used to sneak out to The Savoy and order cocktails with her sister, Princess Margaret, but was never a big drinker, an insider has revealed. 

The Queen, back when she was Princess Elizabeth, would head out to the London hotel with her sister, who was a fan of the American Bar. 

The Queen would order a gin but nurse it all night, a former bartender revealed
5
The Queen would order a gin but nurse it all night, a former bartender revealed Credit: Getty Images - Getty

Established in 1893, it was a favourite haunt of Princess Margaret, with the bar less than a 10 minute walk from Buckingham Palace.

Speaking in Channel 4 documentary , the Queen’s first cousin, Margaret Rhodes, explained Princess Margaret was always the livelier one of the pair. 

She said: “Princess Elizabeth was always the more serious, thinking one.

“Margaret was always the larky one, which was fine y’know, because she could be very funny. 

Princesses Margaret and Elizabeth would frequent the American Bar at the Savoy Hotel
5
Princesses Margaret and Elizabeth would frequent the American Bar at the Savoy HotelCredit: Alamy

“And she could make anyone laugh if she set her heart on it.” 

A former bartender at the hotel revealed the sisters would often come in with an entourage, and they were there so often they even had their own table. 

Victor Gower served them when they would visit, and revealed the young princesses' tipple of choice.

The young princesses would head over to the American Bar at the hotel
5
The young princesses would head over to the American Bar at the hotelCredit: Getty - Contributor

He revealed: “Princess Margaret and Princess Elizabeth did come here occasionally with a crowd, normally about 8.

"They'd always have their set table. They were absolutely no bother to serve at all.”

The 94-year-old is well known for her love of gin, enjoying a drink of the spirit with Dubonnet every day. 

Victor revealed Princess Margaret would drink whiskey, while Elizabeth would have a gin
5
Victor revealed Princess Margaret would drink whiskey, while Elizabeth would have a gin

But it seems she developed a taste for the cocktail early in life, as Victor claimed this is what she ordered at the Savoy. 

He revealed: "Princess Elizabeth would normally drink gin and tonic. 

“You got the impression she wasn't a big drinker at all because she nursed her drink.

The Queen is a fan of gin and has a cocktail every day, her former chef has claimed
5
The Queen is a fan of gin and has a cocktail every day, her former chef has claimedCredit: Getty Images - Getty

"Princess Margaret [ordered] whiskey. That was her favourite. Whiskey and a cigarette."

The Queen’s former royal chef, Darren McGrady, revealed the Queen’s love of a G&T lasted her entire life, and she’d drink one everyday. 

But she wouldn't have one at lunch, instead waiting until the evening and then she'd enjoy her “habitual Gin and Dubonnet".

Meanwhile the Queen used to drive ‘James Bond’ style cars with secret buttons & a direct hotline to Downing Street.

READ MORE SUN STORIES

And we revealed the Queen owns her own tartan design and other Royals have to ask her permission to wear it.

Plus the Queen holds six Guinness World Records – including one for being the world’s oldest reigning monarch.

Timelapse of the Welsh guards performing a pared back ceremony for Her Majesty's official birthday
Topics