Alexandra Messervy, Author at The English Manner

Previously a consultant to the world-famous finishing school, Lucie Clayton, Alexandra brings over forty years of experience in etiquette, protocol and event planning and began her career in the Royal Household of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Alexandra enhanced her entertaining and social skills development knowledge working latterly for other members of the Royal Family and on several well-known charitable committees before founding The English Manner in 2001.

During her career, she has regularly consulted with VIP residential households and hospitality clients in the areas of staffing, training, planning and management and is recognised for her attention to detail and exceptionally high standards.

Alexandra was appointed Chevalier of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany in 1986. She was made a Fellow of the Royal Society of the Arts in 2001 for services to education and currently sits on the board of the London Tea History Association.

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Founder's Message

In 1984, having completed my education I found myself in my first real career employment; in the Royal Household of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Here, surrounded by treasures, serving officers and diplomats, I reinforced knowledge I didn’t even know I had; how to measure place settings at table, how to send an invitation to a Duke, how to curtsey when Her Majesty passed in the corridor, and how and when to wear an honour conferred upon me by a visiting Head of State.

When I left the Royal Household I was frequently asked to sit on charitable committees and asked for advice: who to invite, how to run an event, where to seat guests at official functions.

Shortly after I was approached to help the iconic Lucie Clayton Academy (whose finishing school The English Manner has since subsumed). They showed a desire to move into the 21st century, and it was there that I perceived a very real need for ‘manners’ to become modern, but also, for every person in the world to understand what good manners and ‘etiquette’ means. For us, it was then, and still is, to treat others as one would hope to be treated; to understand the correct ‘form’ so that everything goes according to plan the world over, from Kazakhstan to Los Angeles.

Perhaps from this, most important is the ability to cross the divide of cultures, and it is harmonious integration that is key to peace and prosperity for us all. That can only come from an understanding and acceptance of everyone’s cultures, with the underlying concept of kindness and recognition of good international practice.

Since The English Manner’s foundation in 2001, we have worked with a pleasing variety of clients. An Asperger’s Syndrome sufferer has equally gained in perfecting her self confidence as the Oligarch who wanted to know how to offer guests non-alcoholic beverages in his new London residence to follow his religion; the Chinese children who are sent to us before they attend preparatory school having never set foot in the UK; and the business people who quite simply understand that in order to be accepted for a multimillion-pound deal, they not only have to proffer the correct handshake but have many other flawless interpersonal skills.

Never in a million years did I imagine that The English Manner would now have such a broad international presence with strong global partners. We are truly fortunate that many share our vision and continue to help us lead the industry in soft skills training.