Royal expert Jennie Bond, etiquette specialist William Hanson, and the Queen’s former chef Darren McGrady, have shared their knowledge with Alexa ahead of the Jubilee celebrations. Alexa is always getting smarter and embracing British culture, and in honour of the Platinum Jubilee, Amazon’s voice assistant has learnt how to enjoy afternoon tea like the Royals and can also quiz you to find out how similar you are to the royals.
Anyone with an Alexa-enabled device can now ask, “Alexa, how royal am I?” to hear a series of questions to determine if they reign supreme and could pass for a Duke or Duchess. Those taking the quiz will be treated to some of the most fascinating royal titbits including – what was the name of the Queen’s first corgi, how many Prime Ministers has she met, and what is her favourite football team?
“The Jubilee is a unique and historic occasion, and I’m sure it’s got many Brits across the country questioning whether they could live the royal life themselves.” said Jennie Bond. “I’m lucky enough to have spent a fair bit of time around the royal family, so I know exactly what it takes to keep the company of those in Buckingham Palace. I’m so glad to have passed on my wisdom to Alexa – and now Brits everywhere can take the quiz to find out how royal they are.”
Thanks to lessons from the UK’s leading etiquette coach William Hanson and the Queen’s former chef Darren McGrady, Alexa can now also answer questions about how to enjoy afternoon tea like a royal. Customers can ask Alexa:
- Alexa, should I put cream or jam on a scone first?
- Alexa, what’s the correct way to pronounce scone?
- Alexa, what’s the correct way to hold a cup of tea?
- Alexa, how does one have afternoon tea like the Queen?
- Alexa, what’s the correct way to stir a cup of tea?
- Alexa, what’s the correct way to eat sandwiches during afternoon tea?
“I’m delighted to share my tea etiquette knowledge with Alexa”, William Hanson said. “With the Jubilee just around the corner, it’s great that Alexa will be able to help everyone enjoy their celebrations.”
Darren McGrady, the Queen’s former chef, added “When I started as a young chef at Buckingham Palace, it was fascinating to see how important afternoon tea was to the Queen – so it’s a pleasure to be able to share my expertise of the tradition through Alexa. In my experience the Queen enjoys a full afternoon tea of sandwiches and pastries. Two types of sandwiches, often English York ham with English mustard and cucumber, with the skin removed and sent to the royal cellars for Pimm’s garnish.”
Speaking of The Queen’s preferred scones and cakes, Darren added: “In terms of scones - one day plain and one day with raisins folded through. Also, tiny pastries like raspberry tartlets and a ‘cut cake’ (one that she can cut a slice out of) honey and cream sponge, fruit cake, banana bread, or her favourite chocolate biscuit cake. All washed down with a delightful steaming hot cup of Earl Grey tea.”
In addition to the new royal quiz and tea etiquette advice, customers can also ask Alexa Customers can school themselves on royal trivia by simply asking Alexa. Plus, Amazon’s Voice AI finally settles the age-old debate of how to pronounce ‘scone’ (like gone or own) – all you need to do is ask “Alexa, how do I pronounce scone?”
Alexa’s royal trivia includes:
- Alexa, how do I pronounce scone?
- Alexa, talk like the Queen
- Alexa, sing the National Anthem
- Alexa, do you know the Queen?
- Alexa, how old is the Queen?
- Alexa, how many corgis does the Queen have?
- Alexa, does the Queen need a passport?
- Alexa, when did Queen Elizabeth marry Prince Philip?
- Alexa, when is the Queen’s birthday?
- Alexa, what is the Royal Family’s surname?
“With Jubilee fever taking over the country, customers are becoming increasingly inquisitive about the royals - ‘how old is the Queen?’ has been one of the most asked Alexa questions in the past year!” said Dennis Stansbury, UK Country Manager for Alexa. “Alexa users can now test their royal knowledge with our fun ‘How Royal am I’ quiz - if you’re a fan of Arsenal or you speak French, you might have more in common with residents of Buckingham Palace
