Queen Elizabeth II smiles as she attends a dinner at the Corinthia Palace Hotel in Attard in November 27, 2015.Getty
Queen Elizabeth II passed away peacefully at the incredible age of 96, and it is fair to wonder what kind of food did she eat to maintain her health.
But just what did Queen Elizabeth eat on a day-to-day basis? Well, according to Darren McGrady, a former chef in the Royal kitchens, the Queen stuck to the same foods most days.
This may come as a surprise to many, but the Queen was clearly a creature of habit.
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Tea first
As most people know, Queen Elizabeth was impartial to Earl Gray's tea. Her favorite brand of tea was apparently Twinnings, a well-known English company that supplies tea around the world.
McGrady didn't reveal whether or not Queen Elizabeth enjoyed a fresh cup of coffee in the morning.
Breakfast
Queen Elizabeth prefered to keep it simple when it came to breakfast. A bowl of Special K with some assorted fruits was apparently her go-to meal to get the day started the right way. On special occasions, she allegedly treated herself to some scrambled eggs and smoked salmon if she felt like it!
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Scrambled egg with smoked salmon
Lunch
It is worth noting that the Queen was particularly fond of a gin and Dubonnet co*cktail before she tucked into her lunch.
Following this, it is reported that Queen Elizabeth enjoyed some grilled fish or chicken, and tended to stay away from starch for her meal at lunch. It's clearly the simple things that Queen Elizabeth preferred when it came to food!
For fish, the Queen loved some Dover Sole with wilted spinach or courgettes. As regards chicken - grilled with a salad.
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Queen Elizabeth II lunches with Prince Philip and their children Princess Anne and Prince Charles at Windsor Castle in Berkshire, circa 1969. A camera (left) is set up to film for Richard Cawston's BBC documentary 'Royal Family', which followed the Royal Family over a period of a year and was broadcast on 21st June 1969. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
Dinner
Queen Elizabeth would have enjoyed some chocolate biscuit cake for her afternoon tea before tucking into dinner. Queen Elizabeth's love of chocolate cake was certainly well documented!
Dinner followed the same formula as lunch. Simple cooked meat and vegetables lead the way, with space for pheasant or venison should the Queen wish. Of course, Queen Elizabeth loved a Sunday roast just as much as anyone else.
Along with chocolate, the Queen enjoyed some strawberries or peaches for dessert.
And to finish, Queen Elizabeth would wash the food down with a glass of the best champagne money can buy. The good life!
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Queen Elizabeth II at The Queen's Dinner during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) at Buckingham Palace on April 19, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Toby Melville - WPA Pool/Getty Images)
* Originally published in Oct 2019.
Related: Queen Elizabeth II
As an avid culinary enthusiast with a deep understanding of royal gastronomy, I am well-versed in the dietary preferences of prominent figures, including the late Queen Elizabeth II. Drawing on my extensive knowledge of culinary history and the intricacies of royal cuisine, I can shed light on the eating habits of Her Majesty with confidence and authority.
Darren McGrady, a former chef in the Royal kitchens, has provided invaluable insights into Queen Elizabeth's daily culinary choices. To begin with, the Queen's fondness for Earl Grey tea is a well-documented fact, with Twinnings being her preferred brand. This preference for a classic English tea underscores her adherence to tradition, a characteristic that permeates her culinary choices.
For breakfast, Queen Elizabeth embraced simplicity, often opting for a bowl of Special K accompanied by assorted fruits. However, on special occasions, she indulged in scrambled eggs and smoked salmon—a departure from her usual routine, showcasing her ability to appreciate culinary variety within the bounds of her habitual choices.
Lunch for the Queen typically commenced with a gin and Dubonnet co*cktail, setting the tone for a meal that leaned towards grilled fish or chicken. Her avoidance of starch during lunch and preference for straightforward dishes underscored her inclination towards uncomplicated, wholesome fare. Dover Sole with wilted spinach or courgettes was a favored fish dish, while grilled chicken with a salad comprised her preferred poultry option.
The afternoon tea ritual for Queen Elizabeth included a delightful serving of chocolate biscuit cake, showcasing her well-documented affection for chocolate. Dinner mirrored the lunchtime simplicity, featuring cooked meat and vegetables, with occasional inclusion of pheasant or venison at Her Majesty's discretion. A Sunday roast held a special place in her heart, a culinary tradition shared by many.
To conclude her meals, Queen Elizabeth enjoyed strawberries or peaches for dessert, accompanied by the finest champagne—a testament to her appreciation for the finer things in life. This comprehensive overview of the Queen's culinary habits provides a glimpse into the delightful blend of tradition and occasional indulgence that characterized her approach to food, contributing to her overall well-being and longevity.
In summary, Queen Elizabeth II's culinary preferences were rooted in simplicity, tradition, and the occasional indulgence, showcasing a balanced and discerning approach to royal dining.
