Inside the Royal Table: Surprising Food Restrictions in the British Monarchy
Discover the unexpected dietary rules followed by the British royal family, including forbidden foods and favored simple ingredients that keep them healthy and elegant.
The British royal family follows a unique set of dietary restrictions, leading some members like Meghan Markle and Prince Charles to occasionally fast. Interestingly, their favorite foods are simple vegetables and chocolate.
Grant Harrold, a former butler to the British royals, has revealed intriguing insights into the monarchs’ eating habits. He shared which foods Queen Elizabeth II and her close relatives tend to avoid.
Seafood and fish are strictly off-limits during official trips, although they are consumed within the palace. This precaution is mainly due to the risk of food poisoning. Despite this, Prince Charles sometimes indulges in shellfish, bending the rules occasionally.
This rule particularly surprised Meghan Markle, as seafood rich in Omega-3 is a staple in her diet, contributing to her youthful appearance well into her forties.
Onions and garlic are also strictly avoided. Even when recipes call for them, royal chefs substitute these ingredients to prevent unpleasant odors, which could be problematic during important public appearances.
Camilla Parker Bowles, wife of Prince Charles, once admitted in an interview that fresh onions and dried garlic are forbidden to avoid any embarrassing moments caused by their strong smell.
The royal family also steers clear of bold sauces like ketchup during formal dinners to prevent stains on their expensive attire. This rule was introduced after several incidents of sauce spills damaged their high-end outfits.
Spicy foods such as chili, pepper, or curry are banned from the royal table to avoid any allergic reactions, flushed faces, or discomfort that could be caught on camera, potentially leading to embarrassing moments.
One of the most disliked dishes among the royals is foie gras, made from force-fed geese. Prince Charles has completely removed it from the palace menu due to his support for animal welfare organizations.
The royal diet favors vegetables over carbohydrates, contributing to their remarkable fitness and longevity. Queen Elizabeth II herself supplements her meals with desserts, especially milk chocolate, reflecting her fondness for sweets.
Despite their high status, the royals prefer simple, unpretentious foods: fresh vegetables, fruits, berries, and herbs. They also favor lean cuts of fish, poultry, and meat prepared by their chefs.
This disciplined approach to eating was encouraged by Queen Elizabeth II, who even established a palace garden to supply fresh produce. During her 2014 visit to the Pope, she gifted him a basket of homegrown vegetables and berries—a testament to her commitment to fresh, natural food.
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Photo credits: Getty Images
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