Unravel the Mystery: The Royal Table Server’s Identity Revealed!

As I delved into the mystery of the crossword clue ‘Server at a royal table, once,’ I began by considering the historical context. I knew that in ancient times, a royal table often had attendants who performed specific roles. The word “once” suggested that this occupation was not commonly seen today. Drawing from my knowledge of royal courts, a particular role sprung to mind: the cupbearer. The cupbearer was a trusted servant who had the crucial task of tasting and serving wine to the monarch, ensuring their safety from poison. This would explain the reference to a ‘server‘ at the royal table. Moreover, the clue emphasized that this occupation was no longer prevalent, which further reinforced my hunch, as cupbearers, with the evolution of dining customs, had become obsolete over time. With this realization, I confidently filled in the answer: CUPBEARER. The combination of historical knowledge, deductive reasoning, and attention to detail allowed me to unravel this captivating crossword puzzle mystery.