From incorrect tea pouring to costume mishaps and regal title slip-ups, former royal butler Grant Harrold reviews the first instalment of season four and reveals the etiquette rules behind the drama.
Since its debut in late 2020, Netflix’s Bridgerton has taken the streaming world by storm, quickly becoming one of the most-watched shows in Netflix history.
Set in 1810s Regency-era London, the series is a lavish reimagining of high society, blending romance, scandal, and vibrant costumes with an inclusive cast. But as the characters navigate a world of opulent balls and matchmaking, they are still bound by a firm set of rules and etiquette. So how much of that is historically accurate?
With the first four episodes of season four now available to stream, Grant Harrold, a best-selling author, the UK’s leading expert on etiquette, and former royal butler to King Charles III, offers his insights with online casino Betway, weighing in on what the series gets right and where it goes wrong.
Serving tea the royal way
In episode one, Sophie is seen serving the tea by setting up a tea station to the side of the guests. This is how it would be done at a royal event or a large gathering. But there are a few common mistakes in this scene. For example, Sophie slammed the biscuits down on the table, which isn’t proper etiquette. Although there is a reason her character behaved that way.
Her stepsisters also held their cups incorrectly. They should hold the cup by the handle, without lifting the saucer. The saucer acts as a coaster at the tea table. At a low table or with a stool, you pick up the whole set, the cup, saucer, and spoon. You use a pinch grip on the handle and take a sip while gazing at your tea, not around the room. Then, you return the cup to the saucer and place the whole set back on the table.
In a later episode, Sophie brings in the tea, but the handling of the tea isn’t quite right. For starters, she should have used a silver tray. Carrying a teapot by hand is impractical, as the pot would be far too hot, and you could easily burn yourself.
The way she pours is also incorrect. She’s holding the lid with her whole hand, but traditionally, you just rest a fingertip on the lip of the teapot to keep it secure while pouring. Interestingly, though, the cups themselves are being held correctly in this scene by the stepsisters. The correct etiquette should have been consistent throughout.
Dancing at the ball
The dance scene at the ball in episode one is beautifully done, and the traditional dress and costumes are wonderful to see. The gloves, in particular, are a fascinating detail. Back then, a lady without gloves would be considered almost naked, and men would never dream of touching their bare hands. Gloves were often designed with small buttons at the wrist so the top portion could be removed. This made dining easier for women, allowing the use of a knife and fork without removing the entire glove.
Benedict’s shirt, however, shows quite a bit of chest. Historically, that level of exposure would have been unusual. In reality, very little flesh would have been on display.
The importance of chaperones
Behaving correctly was taken very seriously back then. Etiquette was strict, and rules were rarely broken. A lady was never left alone, which is discussed in the ball scene with Sophie and Benedict. There would always be a chaperone, and some had a governess assigned to them. For royals, Blenheim Palace, for example, has sofas with a small division at the end for a chaperone. This allowed a gentleman and a lady to converse comfortably while ensuring nothing untoward could take place.”
An imperfect greeting for the Queen
Penelope’s introduction to the Queen in episode one is nicely done. Her curtsy was correct, starting with the right leg, and her hands stayed neatly at her sides. Even today, the protocol with a monarch is similar. You bow or curtsy and let the monarch lead the conversation.
Penelope also took full responsibility for being late, even though it wasn’t her fault. Back then, you would never argue with the Queen, so humility and taking the blame were expected.
There is, however, a subtle faux pas later in the episode during the ball. When the Queen enters a room at a ball, she is introduced as ‘Her Royal Highness the Queen,’ but afterwards they refer to her as ‘Your Majesty.’ In reality, you would never say ‘Your Highness’ to a reigning monarch. ‘Your Majesty’ is reserved for the sovereign, while ‘Her Royal Highness’ refers to other members of the royal family. It’s a small but important detail in proper etiquette.
