The Academy's Founder
Laura Windsor
Etiquette & Manners Expert, Laura Windsor, is widely regarded as one of the UK’s most trusted authorities on Etiquette and Protocol.
Laura Windsor, dubbed the 'Queen of Etiquette' by the media, has recently been appointed a Queen Elizabeth II Commonwealth Trust Leader. Her role is to cement effective and meaningful relationships among Global Leaders; enhancing cross-cultural communication skills, sensitivity and appreciation.
Laura was also honoured with the Award for Entrepreneurship in Etiquette & Protocol, in recognition of her exceptional contributions to the field of modern etiquette and cross-cultural protocol. The prestigious award ceremony took place at the historic House of Lords in London, a fitting venue that underscored the significance of her achievements. This accolade not only celebrates Laura’s entrepreneurial spirit but also highlights her influence in bridging traditional etiquette with contemporary professional standards across diverse international communities.
Her formal etiquette training was conducted under the guidance of a former member of the Royal Household of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, providing her with an exceptional foundation in British etiquette, protocol, and the refined standards of royal conduct. She was educated at Downe House, the same private boarding school as Kate Middleton, Her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales.
Laura will soon play a vital role behind the scenes by training the beauty contestants for Miss England to cultivate the elegance, poise, and presence that elevate their personal brand. Through her expert coaching, the contestants gain the confidence, authority, and magnetism needed to make a lasting impression—empowering them to build meaningful connections, navigate the competitive world of pageantry with grace, and truly stand out from the crowd.
She serves as a trusted advisor to numerous international Royal Families, high-profile celebrities, private households, and global businesses. Known for her discretion, cultural sensitivity, and deep expertise, she is regularly consulted on matters of etiquette, protocol, and personal presentation. Her work spans everything from advising on formal engagements and high-level social diplomacy to refining the day-to-day interactions of ultra-high-net-worth individuals and their teams, ensuring they navigate every setting with confidence, respect, and distinction.
Laura is a sought-after commentator, in particular with the BBC, and regularly features on television, radio, and in print media, both in the UK and internationally, Her insights into etiquette, modern manners, and social protocol have made her a trusted voice for audiences around the world, whether she’s offering expert commentary on royal events, cultural customs, or contemporary social trends.
The name Laura Windsor, a Happy Coincidence?
When I was growing up, my mother was responsible for my etiquette education. I took it on board so readily that she used to tease me and call me Little Windsor.
My etiquette education didn’t stop there - I also went to Lucie Clayton finishing school in London. Here I learnt the appropriate behaviours of polite society.
I learned about International dining protocol, deportment, social etiquette and polite entertaining and how to strut down the catwalk, which was a lot of fun. Supermodel Jemma Kid and 'Absolutely Fabulous' actress Joanna Lumley also attended the school.
Is elegance being lost today?
I think there is a more casual approach to everyday living. But one must never lose sight of the fact that one's personal appearance and non-verbal communication still account for 55% of an invaluable first impression. It is an effortless elegance that I help bring out in my clients.
That includes body language, facial expressions, good grooming & personal hygiene. Since light travels faster than sound, you are seen before you are heard.
This is why, even before you've said a word, your visual image will say a lot about you as an individual (your perceived level of intelligence, your competence, self-esteem, confidence, power, and beliefs) and about the organisation you represent (its philosophy, culture, and standard of service).
Then there is the distinction between looking elegant and being elegant. If you can combine these two elements then you have a winning formula for success. When choosing between two equally competent people, an interviewer will almost always choose the one with better social graces and a more elegant appearance.
What does the motto ‘Never Complain, Never Explain’ mean?
The very lack of personal drama was arguably the secret of Elizabeth II’s success, And I think Princess Catherine will follow in her footsteps. The ‘Never Complain, Never Explain’ maxim, which was first coined by British politician and prime minister Benjamin Disraeli, has been a guiding principal of confident, influential, accountability-loving people right through to the modern day.
A motto that was adopted, not only by the late Queen Elizabeth II but by many other high-ranking members of society, Winston Churchill included. The late Queen Elizabeth II made sure that she never gave too much of herself away.
This meant that people could read whatever they wanted into her behaviour which allowed them to more easily identify with her. She was always courteous, poised, responding with encouraging and empathetic statements no matter what came her way.
I think Princess Catherine will be like her but in a more modern way. She is much more approachable, more willing to participate with her subjects, and very much a hands-on lady in her duties, especially when it comes to her children, which calls to mind Princess Diana.
Catherine gives off a friendly, quiet confidence and poise. Being ‘poised’ is a graceful, controlled way of being. It’s about learning to be comfortable in your own skin.
This is the most powerful component to becoming socially graceful. You are able to maintain your composure even when nerves threaten to get the better of you. Poise allows you to have that extra polish, that ‘je ne sais quoi’ quality, that makes you stand out from the crowd. It means knowing how to always create the right first impression that will enable you to handle yourself in all situations and make you a more confident individual.