Former Governor General Adrienne Clarkson has taken to criticizing the woman she was once appointed to represent. In her new tell-all book, Heart Matters, Clarkson suggests Her Majesty's table manners leave something to be desired.

Clarkson was Canada's Governor General from 1999 to 2005. While at the post, she says she encountered what she felt were shocking breaches of etiquette while dining with the Royal Family.

The ex-vice royal says the Queen dared powder her nose during a formal dinner party. Her critique also extends to the late Queen Mum. In the book, Clarkson chastises her for using different china patterns during an official dinner.

Clarkson's harsh appraisal of royal decorum has prompted critics in Britain to accused her of being pretentious, even suggesting she's missed the point of manners entirely.

In an interview with the conservative British newspaper The Telegraph, manners expert Liz Brewer says manners should make people more comfortable, not less.

"They are not for making some feel very pleased with themselves while others squirm," she said.

Brewer accused Clarkson of being "prissy." She later told CTV Newsnet that few in Britain had ever heard of Adrienne Clarkson, and the former GG likely did nothing but make herself look ill-mannered.

"I think she's taken a big risk to stand out and make such a criticism. Criticism is fine when there's a good reason, but this is unfounded."

North American manners experts chimed in to defend the Royals. Etiquette coach Gloria Starr points out that it's poor form to point out faux pas that don't really hurt anyone. Starr suggests the best manners advice for Clarkson herself would be to forget about the Royal missteps and, "give the lady a break."