The Royal Way to Eat a Burger
Eating burgers is a messy, hands-on experience for most of us, but according to Grant Harrold, former royal butler to King Charles III, we’ve been doing it wrong all along. Harrold claims the correct way to enjoy a burger is by using a knife and fork—a practice followed by British royalty and high-end clientele alike during his time at Buckingham Palace and Highgrove House.
Harrold recently shared his view that elevating a burger meal with cutlery makes it a more refined dining experience. “It’s all about turning a casual dish into something elegant,” he explained. He even demonstrated this royal etiquette on social media, suggesting that using your hands is something Fred Flintstone might do.
Brits Aren’t Buying It
Despite Harrold’s advice, the majority of Brits seem content with keeping things casual. A survey by Greene King found that while 13% of people use utensils to eat a burger, 63% still prefer to get their hands dirty. Cleanliness and politeness were common reasons given by those who use a knife and fork, while those sticking with the traditional method feel that burgers were made to be eaten by hand.
Elegance vs. Practicality
Though Harrold acknowledges that most of us will continue to use our hands, he insists that using utensils has practical benefits too. Not only does it make the meal less messy, but it also ensures that every bite is more balanced and curated. However, this royal advice comes down to personal preference. Whether you’re aiming for a sophisticated approach or just enjoying the classic burger-pint combo, Harrold’s message is clear: if you want to dine like a royal, it’s time to rethink your burger-eating habits.
Inventor of the Sandwich
It’s interesting to think what the inventors of the sandwich and burger might say about this modern debate on etiquette. The sandwich, credited to John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich, was reportedly created in the 18th century so he could eat while continuing his gambling sessions without needing to stop for a formal meal. He famously preferred a simple, practical solution—meat tucked between slices of bread—so he could eat with his hands. If Montagu were around today, it’s likely he would embrace the hands-on approach to burgers as well, favouring practicality over refinement.
