The Prince of Wales has shared cherished memories of his grandmother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, revealing how she inspired his “love of teatime” in a personal contribution to The Queen Elizabeth Digital Memorial.
William's Fond Memories of Windsor Afternoons
William recorded his personal recollections for the digital archive, which is now live at queenelizabeth.com. In his video, the prince recalls spending “many a quiet afternoon” with the Queen and the late Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, at Windsor Castle. He described his grandmother as “completely at ease” surrounded by her family, dogs, and horses.
The prince noted how the Queen would ride her horses in Windsor Great Park, even in her later years, showing a “side of Granny the world didn’t often see – off duty, relaxed and utterly at home”.
A Love of Teatime Inspired by the Queen
William said: “Whilst I had the privilege to know the late Queen better than most, some of my fondest memories of my grandmother are from here in Windsor. I remember many a quiet afternoon having tea with her and my grandfather at the castle, chatting, sharing stories, and seeing how completely at ease she was here, surrounded by family and her much-loved dogs and horses. To this day, she’s given me a love of teatime that I never knew I needed. Watching her ride her horses in the Great Park, even well into her later years, showed a side of Granny the world didn’t often see – off duty, relaxed and utterly at home. These moments with my grandmother are ones I’ll always hold dear.”
The Queen's Daily Tea Tradition
The Queen would take afternoon tea daily at around 5pm, typically consisting of two types of sandwiches, scones, small cakes, and Earl Grey tea.
Digital Memorial and Court Circular Project
The Queen Elizabeth Digital Memorial was launched on what would have been the Queen’s 100th birthday in April. The Court Circular, the official daily record of royal engagements from throughout the Queen’s reign, has also been digitised, providing a searchable record of her public appearances and duties across seven decades.
Volunteer students from several schools, including Campbell College, Belfast; Greenhead College, Huddersfield; JCoSS, Hertfordshire; Kingsmead School, Enfield; Haberdashers’ Girls’ School, Elstree; Queen Elizabeth Girls’ School, Barnet; St Paul’s School, Barnes; and University College School, London, assisted with the Court Circular project using data provided by The Times Online.
Members of the public are invited to share their own memories of the Queen at queenelizabeth.com.
