Queen Elizabeth II, King Charles III, and Kate Middleton! The Favorite Foods That Shape the Culinary Tastes of the British Royal Family
From the dark chocolate adored by Queen Elizabeth II to the curries favored by Kate Middleton and the homemade dishes enjoyed by King Charles III, the culinary preferences of the British Royal Family reveal a more everyday side to its members.
The British Royal Family has access to professional kitchens, private chefs, and some of the most exclusive ingredients in the world. Yet, their gastronomic preferences are not always tied to grand banquets or sophisticated recipes. Beyond state dinners and ceremonial menus, there are also quite ordinary tastes: a good serving of chocolate, a spiced curry, or a dish prepared with produce from their own estates.
Through interviews with former chefs, public statements, and anecdotes shared by the royals themselves, we can discover which foods have won over the palates of Queen Elizabeth II, King Charles III, and Kate Middleton. Their choices show that, even within the monarchy, small pleasures at the table hold a special place.
Queen Elizabeth II: Dark Chocolate, Sandwiches, and the Afternoon Tea Ritual
Queen Elizabeth II’s culinary tastes were simpler than one might imagine. According to Darren McGrady, who served as a chef for the monarch for several years, one of her greatest favorites was chocolate—especially dark chocolate.
Among the desserts she enjoyed was the "chocolate perfection pie"—a treat featuring layers of white and dark chocolate, topped with chocolate shavings. She was also fond of chocolate biscuit cake, a staple of her afternoon tea service.
But it wasn’t just about desserts. The late monarch also enjoyed Morecambe Bay potted shrimp, prepared in spiced butter and served on toast. Another of her small indulgences was the *croque monsieur*—a classic French toasted ham-and-cheese sandwich. The jam sandwich that stayed with her since childhood
One of the most curious details about her eating habits was her fondness for jam sandwiches. As her former chef explained, Queen Elizabeth II had enjoyed this combination of bread, butter, and strawberry jam since she was a child.
Afternoon tea was also an important tradition. The Queen would typically enjoy it with scones—served with jam and cream—alongside small cakes and finger sandwiches. She maintained this custom even while traveling, regardless of the local time.
For her main meals, she preferred simple options, such as grilled fish with spinach or zucchini, or chicken served with a salad. She also had a well-known aversion to garlic—an ingredient that, according to McGrady, was kept out of the dishes prepared for her.
Charles III: seasonal ingredients, garden-grown vegetables, and homemade recipes
King Charles III’s culinary tastes are closely linked to the countryside, gardening, and seasonal produce. For decades, the monarch has shown a keen interest in sustainable agriculture and food cultivation—a passion that is also reflected in the food served at his table.
Among his favorite dishes are baked eggs with cheese—a recipe he shared publicly back when he was still the Prince of Wales. The dish includes spinach, cherry tomatoes, British cheeses, cream, and basil.
He also enjoys ingredients grown on his own estates, such as potatoes, leeks, and asparagus, as well as various meats and game. Lamb and dishes featuring wild mushrooms are also among his preferred foods.
Darjeeling tea and breakfasts prepared for travel
Tea also plays a significant role in his daily routine. Among the varieties he favors is Darjeeling, which is typically brewed using loose leaves in a teapot and served with a little milk and honey. Another interesting detail is that, during certain trips, the then-Prince Charles would often bring along a basket of food for his breakfasts. According to former members of his household staff, this might include homemade bread, fresh fruit, juices, various types of honey, and specialty cereals.
As for his simpler tastes, mention has also been made of the British biscuits known as Bath Oliver, which he enjoyed having with his tea or coffee.
Kate Middleton: Curry, British Desserts, and a Love for Home Cooking
Kate Middleton’s culinary preferences have occasionally come to light during her public engagements. Contrary to the formal image often associated with her official appearances, the Princess of Wales has shared some of her favorite foods and revealed that she enjoys cooking for her family.
One dish frequently linked to her tastes is curry. During a visit to India, Kate spoke of her fondness for spiced flavors, while Prince William has joked about his own lower tolerance for heat.
The Princess also has a soft spot for traditional British desserts. Among these is "sticky toffee pudding"—a moist date cake smothered in toffee sauce—which has been associated with one of her favorite restaurants in Berkshire.
Bacon Pizza and Homemade Cakes
During a community event focused on making pizza, Kate mentioned that she prefers bacon on her pizza, noting that she finds pepperoni too spicy. It was a simple anecdote that offered a glimpse into her personal preferences outside of her official duties.
She has also shared that she enjoys making birthday cakes for her children. During an appearance on a cooking show hosted by Mary Berry, she explained that she often stays up until midnight to prepare the batter and decorate the cakes—a family tradition she takes pleasure in maintaining.
The Princess has also shared details about her children’s favorite foods. During a school visit, for instance, she mentioned that Princess Charlotte enjoys eating olives.
