Royal expert reveals whether Harry and Meghan were allowed to drink beers in public

During a welcome celebration in honour of the Invictus Games, Prince Harry and Meghan sipped on beers together as they were serenaded by their close friend Michael Buble.

At the party in Whistler, Canada, the couple clasped a glass of beer each with Harry opting for a lager in a tall glass while Meghan opted for a beer in a short, stout glass. 

Throughout the performance and as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex chatted to guests afterwards, they slowly sipped on their drinks.  

They’re not the only ones to have enjoyed a tipple while speaking to members of the public – as King Charles and Prince William have previously enjoyed a drink or two while carrying out duties. 

Though there is no specific royal protocol that bans drinking in public, it may seem odd that royals occasionally enjoy a glass while they’re working. 

While drinking is not officially banned, royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliam explained that remaining sober is still a top priority while out on engagements – and explained why Meghan and Kate will only sip on their drinks in the public eye.  

Speaking to FEMAIL, he revealed: ‘They just don’t drink to excess, ensuring there is no embarrassment.

‘Queen Elizabeth told Michelle Obama “royal protocol is rubbish”. So they can make it up! But not get inebriated – at least not in public.’

However, the expert did suggest that Meghan’s wariness in sipping on her beer could have betrayed a concern about being caught in an undignified pose. 

He said: ‘Meghan looks decidedly ill at ease whilst “sipping” a beer, as she’s being careful. 

‘All public figures, especially royals, have to be wary of alcohol, lest they be photographed in undignified poses.’

He added that although Meghan portrays herself as very calm, she will be aware that it would be improper for her to come across as drunk at all.

‘Meghan cultivates a casual, caring image, but the same still applies to avoiding any behaviour which give the impression of being affected by alcohol,’ he said. 

Mr Fitzwilliams also suggested that there could be an even greater sense of anxiety around alcohol and appearing inebriated in public because of Prince Harry’s past experiences. 

He suggested that pictures of Harry during his wilder years may well play on the minds of the couple as they enjoyed a sip of cold beer.

Mr Fitzwilliams said: ‘The images of an inebriated Harry, falling out of night clubs many years ago probably still haunt him as they are indelibly etched on the memory. 

The prince and princess of Wales are also no strangers to a cocktail or two with Kate enjoying a gin and tonic of an evening (pictured drinking a pint of Guinness for St Patrick’s Day, march 2023)

At the party, the couple clasped a glass of beer each with Harry opting for a lager in a tall glass while Meghan opted for a beer in a short, stout glass

Mr Fitzwilliams also suggested that there could be an even greater sense of anxiety around alcohol and appearing inebriated in public because of Prince Harry’s past experiences 

‘It may be unfair, but they will never be forgotten. His playing strip poker in Las Vegas, gave the city a special cachet.’

Harry has previously revealed how he turned to heavy drinking in an attempt to cope with his mother’s death.  

He said: ‘His “royal wild child” behaviour meant he was forgiven by the army, but it was also an attempt to drown his sorrow over the trauma of his mother’s tragic death.’

In July last year King Charles joked he’d ‘better not have too much’ as he sampled a beer named in his honour during a visit to Guernsey with Queen Camilla.

The monarch, 75, had joined his wife, 76, for a two-day visit to the Channel Islands and was touring the Crown Pier in Saint Peter Port.

As Camilla enjoyed sampling some local cheese, Charles was presented with the ‘Charles Beer’, a craft golden ale named in his honour by the Little Big Brew Company for his Coronation last May.

And earlier this year Prince William surprised day drinkers as he popped in for a pint at Wetherspoons on his way back from an official engagement this afternoon.

The future king was spotted in the Birmingham New Street Station branch of the popular pub chain after appearing at an event to mark his new role as Patron of the College of Paramedics.

He was apparently keen to speak to Aston Villa fans like himself, with the team playing Everton tonight, and sipped a pint of cider.

In July last year King Charles joked he’d ‘better not have too much’ as he sampled a beer named in his honour during a visit to Guernsey with Queen Camilla (pictured July, 2024)

And earlier this year Prince William surprised day drinkers as he popped in for a pint at Wetherspoons on his way back from an official engagement this afternoon (Pictured January, 15)

Privately the late Queen Elizabeth (pictured in 2008) enjoyed a gin and dubonnet and, occasionally, white wine while the late Duke of Edinburgh reportedly enjoyed a pale ale

The Queen Mother (pictured in 2002) was known for her fondness of a drink – especially gin, while Princess Margaret, the Queen’s sister gained a reputation as a heavy drinker and smoker

Tony Blair’s memoir describes his visit to Balmoral in 1998 as ‘a vivid combination of the intriguing, the surreal and the utterly freaky’ when he described the dinner and drinks routine. 

He added that he was never sure exactly what went in to his cocktails but said it was ‘absolutely what was needed. It was like rocket fuel’. 

Privately the late Queen Elizabeth enjoyed a gin and dubonnet and, occasionally, white wine while the late Duke of Edinburgh reportedly enjoyed a pale ale. 

The Queen Mother was known for her fondness of a drink  – especially gin, while Princess Margaret, the Queen’s sister gained a reputation as a heavy drinker and smoker.

The prince and princess of Wales are also no strangers to a cocktail or two with Kate enjoying a gin and tonic of an evening.

And the couple’s favourite drink in private is a Crack Baby cocktail, made of vodka, champagne and passion fruit juice and is such a firm favourite, it was served at their 2011 wedding. 

King Charles loves a martini and even mixed one himself with the actor Stanley Tucci during a themed evening at Highgrove ahead of the state visit to Italy. 

And the King is so partial, he has even appointed a cocktail maker at state banquets.