The Queen insists on clearing away the dishes herself after entertaining guests, Cherie Blair has revealed.

The former prime minister's wife claimed she once tried to step in and help - but said her offer was declined.

In an extraordinary interview with an Italian magazine, Mrs Blair also told how Prince Philip gave her a barbecue as a gift following a visit to the Royal Family's Scottish residence at Balmoral.

'The Queen helps clear away the dishes with other members of the Royal Family and the first year I was there I tried to help,' she said.

'But tradition says it is the Queen and her family who have to clear away for their guests. It was extraordinary to watch, especially for someone from my background. The first time we went there Prince Philip saw how interested I was in the barbecue and he very kindly gave us one. 'I can't wait to use it in our country home - when we were at Downing Street we never got a chance.'

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A royal source confirmed that the Royal Family had adopted the policy of clearing up after their guests whenever they are at Balmoral.

The source also said it had become a tradition that Prince Philip puts on a barbecue.

It is not the first time the Queen has been proven to be remarkably down-to-earth when at home.

In 2003, after an undercover reporter had spent two months as a royal footman, it was revealed that in the first-floor dining room at breakfast time, the Queen loses herself in the Racing Post while Philip listens to a small and ageing transistor radio. During Mrs Blair's interview with A magazine, she also revealed how much she had enjoyed a summer holiday with controversial Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi.

The 'freebie' break four years ago raised eyebrows after Berlusconi - who was facing corruption charges - entertained the Blairs with a spectacular firework display.

At the end of the extravaganza the message 'Viva Tony' was spelled out in rockets.

'There is no doubt that between my husband and Silvio Berlusconi there is friendship and trust,' she said.

Mrs Blair added: 'I have never had an evening like the one I had in Sardinia (at Berlusconi's villa).

'Fireworks lit up the words Viva Tony and we all sang Summertime together.'