Queen once served builder cup of tea after 'embarrassing' encounter in palace

An oblivious builder had an unfortunate encounter with the Queen when he told her he "didn't want any of that nonsense I had last time" when she offered him a cup of tea.

The Buckingham Palace workman was visiting to dismantle a desk when an unexpected person offered him a brew.

Speaking on Channel 5 documentary Secrets of the Royal Palaces, Royal Upholsterer Kevin Andrews, who worked for the late Queen Mother, explained what happened.

He said: “A builder was dismantling a desk so he could not see who was making the offer when the lady's voice asked him if he would like a cup of tea.”

The Buckingham Palace workman was visiting to dismantle a desk when an unexpected person offered him a brew (Press Association)

Without realising it was the Queen herself who answered, he is said to have replied: “Yeah. In a mug. Two sugars. Builder's tea.

“I don't want any of that nonsense I had the last time I was here, all that fine china and all that saucer stuff.”

Without saying anything, the Queen dropped off his cup of tea on the table, and by the time he went to pick it up the builder could only look on as he saw her walking away.

The Queen is likely to have found the encounter funny, as she is known for her humour and good nature when she meets oblivious people.

Like the time a hapless group of tourists once bumped into the Queen walking around her Balmoral estate - but didn't recognise her.

The monarch was out for a low-key walk in tweeds and a headscarf, something she likes to do when she gets the chance.

The Queen is likely to have found the encounter funny, as she is known for her humour and good nature when she meets oblivious people (Getty Images)

One of her former protection officers has revealed the 93-year-old likes to slip under the radar when possible.

Richard Griffin claims that once a group of American tourists failed to recognise her.

Speaking to The Times, Richard said the Queen didn't want to blow her cover at the time.

She went along with the tourists as they questioned whether she lived in the area, replying that she had a house nearby.

When they asked her if she'd ever met the Queen, all she said was "No, but this policeman has," gesturing towards Mr Griffin.

Richard - who worked closely with the monarch for more than 30 years - said the group then moved on, having no idea who they'd just met.