Kate Middleton has revealed her preference in the age-old debate over which order people should properly prepare their scones for afternoon tea.
The Prince and Princess of Wales delighted NHS staff at St Thomas' Hospital for a special tea party to celebrate 75 years of the NHS. The couple helped add the finishing touches to cupcakes and helped lay tables at the reception.
The guest list at their NHS Big Tea party included Aneira "Nye" Thomas, the first baby born on the NHS , named after its founder Aneurin Bevan.
It also included three generations of NHS workers from one family - inspired by grandmother and former nurse of nearly 50 years Blanche Hines, who was part of the Windrush generation.
And in a video posted on social media Kate waded into the age-old debate about what should be lathered on scones first.
She said: “I always do jam and then cream.”
The Princess of Wales’ choice is the Cornish way of serving scones which horrified some people online.
One person replied to the video: “I am so disappointed with her, it's always cream and then jam.
“The cream protects the scone from becoming soggy from the jam and I can build up the cream.”
Another agreed: “I’m with the Princess, if you put the jam on first, there is no limit to the amount of cream that goes on the top.”
Meanwhile future king William sat firmly on the fence of the debate, joking: “I go whatever is closest to me.”
The event was hosted by NHS Charities Together, which the prince and princess are patrons of.
The guest list also included pioneers in research and those on the frontline tackling Covid-19.
William concluded the visit with a video message for the entire NHS, saying: “Wishing everyone a very happy 75th birthday for the NHS.
“Thank you so much for all you do.”
King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla also held their own NHS garden party at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Scotland.
Ellie Orton OBE, Chief Executive of NHS Charities Together, said: “We want to say a huge thank you to our Royal Patrons, and everyone who’s helped celebrate the 75th anniversary of our beloved NHS this year.”
Speaking about the anniversary, NHS England boss Amanda Pritchard said: "While many things have changed over the last 75 years, the skill and compassion of NHS staff who care for our patients and their families has always remained constant.
"They face enormous challenges: recovering services, addressing Covid backlogs that inevitably built up over the pandemic and dealing with record demand for services.
"This milestone 75th anniversary is an opportunity for us to reflect on their hard work and our achievements but to look to the future of the health service too.”
