Prince Edward’s former girlfriend, Ruthie Henshall, a West End actress, has shared insights about her encounter with the Royal Family’s well-known ‘Balmoral test’. In her recent autobiography titled “The Showgirl and the Prince,” Ruthie, aged 59, delves into the early stages of her relationship with Edward, detailing their visits to Buckingham Palace and tea sessions at Windsor with the late Queen Elizabeth. The book unveils the reality behind the ‘Balmoral test,’ a customary evaluation for potential royal partners.
The ‘Balmoral test’ is a traditional assessment for prospective royal companions, with notable past participants including Princess Diana in 1980, the Princess of Wales in 2009 before marrying Prince William, and Meghan Markle in 2018.
During an interview on HELLO!’s A Right Royal Podcast, Henshall disclosed her experience at Balmoral, where she received royal treatment with a personal maid. Despite the lavish surroundings, she found the royal family to be down-to-earth during informal gatherings, such as outdoor cookouts without security personnel.
Henshall mentioned that Prince Charles, then the Prince of Wales, personally served drinks to kick off the festivities, showcasing a relaxed atmosphere. Guests at Balmoral are expected to adhere to royal etiquette, engage in light conversation, and swiftly adapt to various dress codes, transitioning from casual wear to formal attire as required.
The ‘Balmoral Test’ has become a legendary tradition within royal circles, immortalized in popular media like Netflix’s The Crown. Royal expert Omid Scobie described it as a ‘royal initiation,’ emphasizing the need for guests to adhere to strict protocol, maintain decorum, and be well-versed in social etiquette throughout their stay at the queen’s private estate.