Seven foods banned by the British Royals
It seems that a dinner fit for a King could be quite boring…
It’s no secret that Royal Families and monarchies are surrounded by specific rules and regulations.
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You can’t walk up to King Charles III and greet him with a “Hey, bro!” and a high-five.
There are even strict protocols that need to be followed by fellow members of the Royal Family.
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So it’s also not surprising that they have some serious opinions about food, which would make any chef feel the heat.
The British are not known for their adventurous cuisine and taste, which has clearly also translated to the Royal Family.
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Here are some of the foods that have made it onto the Royal list of banned foods.
1. Garlic
Starting off strong with an ingredient that most people want more of.
Those who love garlic often find that the amount required in recipes leaves a lot to be desired.
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Garlic should be measured with the heart and not be restricted.
However, if you are dining with the Royals, you’ll have to accept that there will be no garlic.
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The late Queen Elizabeth II banned garlic from the majority of royal events, and her successor and son, Charles, has chosen to do the same.
In 2018, Queen Camilla told MasterChef Australia contestants that garlic isn’t banned at royal parties, but it’s not recommended.
2. Shellfish
This choice is a practical one.
When the royals attend events, carry out their royal duties, or tour, they choose to avoid shellfish.
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This is to prevent the possibility of food poisoning.
While food poisoning is a risk with any dish, why not take some extra precautions?
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3. Fresh Truffles
Considered one of the fancier delicacies, one would almost expect to find out that the Royals have a constant truffle supply.
Queen Elizabeth insisted that her kitchen never ordered fresh truffles, with former palace chef Darren McGrady revealing that truffles were only used over Christmastime when received as gifts.
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4. Square Sandwiches
It's impossible to imagine a British high tea without some tiny sandwiches, so this one is almost more strange than the garlic.
The reason for the ban is based on royal tradition, as revealed by former royal chef Graham Newbould in a Channel 5 documentary, 'Secrets of the Royal Kitchen'.
The royals never have square sandwiches because tradition has it that anyone presenting them with pointed-edged food is trying to overthrow the throne of England.
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5. Foie Gras
King Charles III has been a long-time advocate for the environment and animals, choosing to rarely consume meat and instead preferring fish.
Before taking the throne, the King established a strict policy that there would be no foie gras in the palace kitchens.
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For those who don't know what foie gras is, the delicacy is "made from the liver of geese that have been force-fed large amounts of grain to produce an enlarged and flavorful liver. It is highly regarded in culinary circles and is produced in several countries, including France and the United States."
Clarence House deputy master, Andrew Farquharson, told the Daily Mail that the policy states that the royal chefs are not to purchase foie gras.
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6. Raw Meat
Similar to the shellfish ban, Queen Elizabeth II also banned raw meat and preferred her meat well-done to avoid the possible risk of food poisoning.
7. Drinks from strangers
A rule that should really apply to most people, especially if you didn't see the drink being poured.
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King Charles and his Queen avoid their drinks being spiked by travelling with their own alcohol.
A frequent attendee of royal tours, reporter Gordon Rayner says that the bodyguards carry a bag filled with red wine for Camilla and gin and tonic water for Charles.
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Image: Instagram/ The Royal Family