Prince William's method of eating scones is 'only correct way'

Etiquette professional William Hanson is known for his no-nonsense approach to social rules and customs. This includes the correct way to eat a scone - claiming the royal way is the right way. Mr Hanson frequently addresses this topic, which he describes as one of the most common queries he receives.

In his book, Just Good Manners, he notes: "Every six months or so, the cream/jam debate comes back around in the British press.." Prince William and Princess Kate previously waded into the clotted cream controvery in 2023. While Kate expressed a preference for adding cream last, William diplomatically refrained from giving a definitive answer.

When the Prince and Princess of Wales arrived at an NHS tea party at a London hospital in 2023, they were greeted by former Great British Bake Off presenter Mel Giedroyc, who asked them what they top their scones with. Princess Kate confidently announced: "I do jam and then cream," but then Prince William said: "I go with whatever is closest to me!"

He claimed the proper way to enjoy a scone depends entirely on location: "If you're eating a scone in Devon, do cream first, and if you are in Cornwall, cream last."

Mr Hanson said: "Catherine said she preferred cream last, while William remained diplomatic and didn't give and explicit answer. Devon and Cornwall are the lead producers of clotted cream, and, aside from their dairy production, these two most south-westerly counties in England famously like to find ways to annoy each other.

"I suspect their distinct edicts on where to stick the cream came about as an example of this."

Mr Hanson revealed that when he teaches afternoon-tea etiquette, he tells students that if you're eating a scone in Devon, do cream first, and if you are in Cornwall, cream last.

He continued: "If you are elsewhere in the world, do it however you so please. Like the Prince of Wales, I prefer to be neutral and suggest doing one half one way, and the other half the other."

Mr Hanson, who has around three million followers on TikTok, said the correct way to add jam and clotted cream is first onto the plate before applying to the scone.

Prince William and Kate have poked fun at each other about food before, such as William joking about Kate's brownies being made without nuts.

On September 8, 2025, the Prince and Princess of Wales visited the National Federation of Women's Institutes in London. As the royals mingled with members over tea and homemade treats, trays of baked goods made their way around the room.

When the conversation turned to chocolate brownies, William said: "I know my brownies," prompting Kate to laugh and add, "William is very fussy about brownies."

William didn't hesitate to set the record straight on his one firm rule: "Do you put nuts in them? Never put nuts in a brownie." Kate admitted she had once made that mistake, joking, "I had to learn the hard way," prompting laughs from the table.