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First of all, I put the cloths on the table. Then I measure the napkins on (they're all measured) roughly, in a banquet at the Palace, it's about 16 to 17 inches between each napkin, depending which side of the table you're sitting on. But after that, then the cutlery goes on. Then the glass goes on, side plates and then everything is measured, so that it looks straight. When you look down the line, you can see that the glasses are all in a straight line.

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We have one champagne glass, which is for the toast, one water glass, white wine, red wine, a champagne glass for the pudding and then the port glass, at the end.

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The Queen is very involved in the preparations to the extent that the menu that is suggested by the Royal Chef is presented to Her Majesty with choices. She will choose the menu and (she's very involved in the seating plan) and The Queen always comes round to have a look at the table when it's ready before the evening's events begin.

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The procession is led by the Lord Chamberlain and as they process into the East Gallery, then the orchestra will strike the national anthem just before they enter the room and at that moment everybody around the table is standing and the Royal Procession and official guests enter the Ballroom and take their seats.

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It's quite a big room. And it has two sinks in, two draining boards and a bottle of Fairy liquid and some hot water. The glass goes through first and as the china comes out, it goes through. All by hand.