Have you ever pondered upon the eating habits of the royal family? Well, Darren McGrady, former personal chef to the British royal family, has shared some fascinating insights into their peculiar dining traditions and rules. It’s not just intriguing – it’s downright eccentric!
It seems that the royal family’s behavior was entirely different at their Scottish retreat, Balmoral Castle, where they relaxed and enjoyed themselves to the fullest. McGrady revealed that at Balmoral, the Queen would often be seen strolling with her corgis and driving her Land Rover, truly living the simple life. However, Buckingham Palace had its own set of unspoken regulations, turning dining into a grandiose affair.
For example, the Queen Mother consistently arrived fashionably late for dinner, prompting the staff to fib about the actual dining time. They would tell her 8:15 instead of the genuine 8:30 to accommodate her tardiness. Everyone was required to dress in their finest attire for dinner, reminiscent of a scene from Downton Abbey. And once the Queen finished her meal, dining was over for everyone – no exceptions!
On the other hand, Prince Philip held little regard for Prince Charles’ organic produce. In fact, he once expressed his displeasure with a muttered, “Oh, bloody organic!” Despite this, he had a fondness for a good old-fashioned family BBQ at Balmoral, collaborating with the chef and using whatever they had caught or picked on the estate.
Even the Queen had her peculiarities – while dining off diamond-encrusted plates, she preferred to eat her fruit from a plain yellow Tupperware container at Balmoral. And did you know that the young Princes were avid fans of McDonald’s, with Princess Diana occasionally treating them to a Happy Meal? It’s remarkable how they could find joy in simple fast food despite their royal status.
However, it wasn’t all fun and games. Princess Diana was particularly strict about her diet, opting for fat-free versions of dishes and adhering to her regimen. She was health-conscious, instructing the chef to handle all the fats while she managed the carbs in the gym.
In addition, the Queen had her own unusual dining habits, selecting meals from a menu booklet as if on a first-class flight and never allowing garlic in her food due to her distaste for its smell and taste. Meanwhile, Prince Philip didn’t hesitate to swap his dinner with the staff’s, choosing heartier fare.
It’s astonishing to discover that behind the royal façade, the royal family had their own set of entertaining and idiosyncratic eating habits. It’s like peering behind the curtain of their royal world, providing a glimpse into their charming and amusing family dynamics. Who would have thought that dining at the palace could be so utterly enchanting and downright bewildering? No wonder it feels like a real-life drama!
