He explained that the Royals never partake in square sandwiches because tradition dictates that anyone serving them food with pointy edges intends to challenge the throne of England. During his tenure, Newold spent two years working at Buckingham Palace and six years at Kensington Palace. However, he never prepared square sandwiches for the late Queen Elizabeth. Instead, the Queen favored penny jam sandwiches, which she enjoyed during afternoon tea. Prince Albert, Queen Victoria's husband, also adhered to similar dietary superstitions and reportedly avoided consuming anything shaped like a coffin.
Members of the royal family have strict regulations regarding their culinary choices, particularly when they travel. Queen Elizabeth has implemented these guidelines for official visits abroad. One prominent food to avoid is shellfish due to the high risk of food poisoning associated with it. As Grant Harold explained to Woman and Home, it's a sensible precaution to abstain from seafood during public duties. The last thing anyone wants is a family member experiencing a severe reaction to food poisoning, especially during an overseas tour.
It has been reported that the late Queen had specific dislikes when it came to food. Pasta and potatoes were not among her favorites, and garlic was strictly prohibited due to the potential for bad breath. King Charles implemented a ban on foie gras in 2000 due to welfare concerns regarding the treatment of ducks and geese raised for food.
Former Royal Chef Darren McGrady provided insight into the King's breakfast habits, highlighting his preference for fresh local produce whenever possible. The King's breakfast box accompanied him wherever he traveled in the world. It contained six different types of honey, special grains, and dried fruits—anything that piqued his interest.
The culinary choices of the royal family reflect a combination of tradition, superstition, health considerations, and personal preferences. These guidelines ensure that the members of the royal family are provided with meals that align with their specific dietary requirements and cultural beliefs.
