Buckingham Palace staff have participated in alcohol awareness training aimed at helping employees manage situations involving colleagues under the influence of alcohol, according to officials involved in the program. The sessions were conducted by consultants from Alcohol Change UK, a charity that specializes in educational initiatives addressing alcohol consumption in workplace settings.
Richard Piper, chief executive of Alcohol Change UK, confirmed that the royal household sought out the charity’s seminars as part of broader efforts to promote health and inclusion among its workforce. The training covers topics such as mindful drinking and the concept of “grey area drinking,” where individuals may consume alcohol excessively without being alcohol-dependent.
Piper emphasized the importance of inclusive workplace policies, noting that more people abstain from alcohol than those who follow a vegetarian diet. He highlighted that over 20 percent of the population do not drink, compared to approximately 6 percent who are vegetarian, underscoring the need to accommodate diverse staff backgrounds and preferences. He also pointed out that considerations around faith, such as the alcohol prohibitions observed by Muslim colleagues, are vital in fostering a respectful work environment. Additionally, safeguarding concerns were cited as a key reason for delivering such training to reduce stigma around alcohol use and focus on health and individual well-being.
Buckingham Palace declined to comment directly on the training sessions, though it is understood that the alcohol awareness course was conducted several years ago as part of a series of wellbeing initiatives facilitated by the royal household’s human resources department.
The palace's commitment to addressing alcohol-related issues in its workforce follows an incident in December 2024 when a palace staff member was arrested during a social event in London. The incident occurred after a reception at the palace when the individual attended a gathering at a bar in Victoria, central London, alongside approximately 50 members of palace staff. Police were called following reports of smashed glasses and an alleged attempt to assault a member of bar staff.
A 24-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of common assault, criminal damage, and being drunk and disorderly but was later released with a penalty order. At the time, Buckingham Palace stated that the event was an informal social gathering rather than an official Christmas party and that a thorough investigation, along with a disciplinary process, would follow to address the incident appropriately.
These measures reflect ongoing efforts within the royal household to promote responsible behavior and a supportive work environment for its employees.