Sun Online visits the Rose Tree Cottage in Pasadena where Meghan prepared to meet the Queen - and tucked into British favourites including sticky toffee pudding
MEGHAN Markle learned how to take tea with the Queen at a posh Los Angeles tea room run by an etiquette expert - who revealed she was a “natural”.
Run by British expat Edmund Fry, who has advised many actors and actresses on British etiquette, the cafe serves traditional English afternoon tea from a picturesque house in the LA suburb of Pasadena.
Since royal biographer Andrew Morton revealed that Meghan visited the establishment several times ahead of her first meeting with the Queen, Edmund has been inundated with Americans keen to perfect their own etiquette skills.
Sun Online visited to see what Meghan was taught - and how the serene Los Angeles tea room helped Meghan on her way to becoming a perfect British princess.
Edmund revealed that Meghan was “beautifully dressed”, “absolutely loved” sticky toffee pudding and even crooked her little finger regally while she sipped her tea.
“She is an amazing young lady, so very in control herself and very nice with people,” Edmund told Sun Online.
“She was very nice, not loud, very gentle, beautiful to look at, beautifully dressed, really well put out.
“I wouldn't say ostentatiously expensive – not like 'I’ve spent a fortune on that dress' - just beautifully turned out.
“I think she’s going to fit in very well with royal life - she's an actress and she knows how to act and how to behave."
According to Edmund, Meghan visited the tearoom with a group of friends last summer – shortly before her first meeting with the Queen.
She enjoyed a traditional afternoon tea of cucumber and roast beef finger sandwiches, scones with jam and cream - finished off with the café’s home made sticky toffee pudding – which she “absolutely loved”, according to Edmund.
He advised her how to sip her tea, place the cutlery in the correct position – and other etiquette rules such as what to do with the napkin.
All guests at the tearoom must turn their phones off on entering so they can enjoy some quiet time with their friend without distractions.
“Meghan came in with a group of friends and they had a lovely time," he said.
“Afternoon tea is a time to switch off and slow down from all the stresses of every day life - so everyone must switch their phones off.
“Everyone who comes here enjoys relaxing with their friends and enjoying lovely British food and tea.
“Since news of the wedding was announced we’ve been even busier than usual.
1. Sit up straight – no slouching
2. Keep your hands and elbows off the table
3. Keep your hat on if you’re a lady; remove your hat on entering if you a gentleman
4. Never rearrange the china. The teacup handle should be at 3 o’clock with the spoon at 6 o’clock and 12 o’clock
5. Allow the server to place your napkin in your lap. If leaving the table during tea place napkin on chair not on the table
6. When finished place the knife on the plate at 11 o’clock and 5 o’clock position with blade inward
7. Refrain from finger licking
8. When drinking tea, quite sips are suggested and refrain from clinking the cup with the spoon when stirring
9. When eating a scone cut if crossways, spread with jam and top with cream. Eat the two halves separately
10. Never slurp loudly or gulp
“It’s absolutely wonderful we have people visiting us from all over the world.
“It was similar with Charles and Diana and William and Kate but for Americans this wedding is even more special because we have Meghan - an American woman marrying into the royal family.”
While Edmund’s wife Mary is preparing to travel to Windsor Castle for the wedding, Edmund will stay behind and host a royal wedding party where guests are encouraged to wear bridal gowns and bridesmaid dresses.
“This wedding is not going to be quite like any other royal wedding …we have this beautiful lady from America who has come from just a normal regular life, nothing to do with royalty.
“And she comes and managed to meet Prince Harry who has had an interesting life and fallen in love and I think it's a wonderful match.
“I think actually Meghan is going to revolutionize the royal family in a way.
“I think she's the future of the royal family, to be honest. She brings up brand new feel and look to the royal of the family and she get on with Will and Kate. They call them the fab four and I think they are the wonderful four.
“I they'll be able to do a tremendous amount for Great Britain and the Commonwealth because of Megan's experience helping people, with children, helping those less fortunate people.
“She's been to London. She had been to Africa several times.
"I think just the mere fact that they said we don't want any gifts, we would just prefer to have you give something to a charity.
"I think that's just wonderful way to start.
"We're thrilled Meghan came to visit us and we would love Meghan and Harry to come and enjoy tea with us again soon."
