What was Princess Diana’s favourite dish? And what do Meghan Markle, Prince Harry and other British royals most love to eat? Former chef spills the beans
Prince William, Kate Middleton and Prince Charles all have eclectic tastes in food, with royal preferences ranging from vegetarian stuffed peppers, spicy curries, classic French dishes to fries and popcorn washed down with a glass of red wine
If you think modern royals eat like kings at state banquets all the time, think again. We find out what British royals eat in their down time from personal chef of 11 years to Queen Elizabeth and then Princess Diana after her separation from Prince Charles, Darren McGrady. He reveals their favourite dishes, and you will be surprised.
Princess Diana
The late Princess Diana was known to have suffered from bulimia, but according to McGrady her road to recovery and healthy eating started when she moved out of her marriage and into Kensington Palace. She became a healthy eater and looked amazing for it, the chef revealed.
Always ahead of the trend, Princess Diana started juicing in the 1980s before it became a foodie fad. She never ate red meat or shellfish, says the chef.
Her favourite dish was bell peppers stuffed with zucchini, mushrooms, rice, garlic topped with Parmesan and mozzarella and finished with a smoked tomato and pepper sauce. She asked for this dish several times a week, says McGrady, who also revealed that she never stuck to the menus the chefs had to make for the household. She would often come into the kitchen and ask for her favourite dish, and sit there chatting while he made it.
Her favourite dessert? Bread and butter pudding – she would only have it when William and Harry were staying, and then she would only have a small portion.
Kate Middleton
Like her late mother-in-law, the Duchess of Cambridge has a healthy diet consisting of fresh fruits, vegetables, lean meat and juices. And it has been said that along with her mother Carole and sister Pippa, they are fans of the low carb Atkin’s diet. But when it comes to her favourite dish, Kate loves a spicy curry, especially vegetarian. She started with takeaways when she was pregnant with Prince George but has since learnt to cook a good spicy curry herself. She admits that her husband Prince William struggles with spices but one favourite treat they both enjoy sharing is popcorn. Kate’s favourite dessert? Sticky toffee pudding with chocolate sauce.
Factoid – the Duchess loves to cook according to McGrady. Prince William and Kate do not have a private chef as Kate loves to cook for the family. She also likes to do her own grocery shopping.
