William Hanson


William Richard Henry Hanson is a British etiquette expert, social commentator and author. He mentors worldwide and comments on matters relating to etiquette and civility for international media. He is also one of two executive directors for the international protocol and hospitality consultancy firm The English Manner.

Early life and education

Hanson was born in Bristol. He was educated at Clifton College and studied English Language, Literacy and Communication at the University of Manchester and received a BA in 2011.

Professional activities

The English Manner

Hanson joined The English Manner in 2008 and in 2019, he became Executive Director for the firm. Since then, he has travelled and worked in many countries, including Europe, America, China, south-east Asia, GCC countries, and Russia, teaching English etiquette to customers at international businesses, embassies and high-commissions.

International Media

In November 2008, Hanson filmed for the Australian version of Ladette to Lady He quit filming two days early; in an interview with the Daily Telegraph, Hanson stated that the programme is "detrimental to promoting good manners and etiquette".
In 2015 he joined the MailOnline as a columnist, writing about social class, etiquette and the British royal family.
In August 2017 he performed at the 70th Edinburgh Festival Fringe with The Etiquette Show: Much Ado About Everything with one reviewer calling Hanson's performance "gently camp and very debonair".
He regularly appears on BBC Radio 2's Steve Wright in the Afternoon programme talking about different topics of etiquette and answering listeners' dilemmas.

Podcast

Hanson currently hosts a podcast called Help I Sexted My Boss with BBC Radio 1 presenter and friend Jordan North and Ben Cartwright. The show aims to offer advice to listeners who have encountered modern day problems. The podcast is currently in its fifth series and was nominated for 'Best Entertainment Podcast' at the British Podcast Awards 2020.

Publications

Authorship