Revealed: The three foods banned from Queen Elizabeth's state banquets

Queen Elizabeth II with then US President Trump
-Credit: (Image: (Image: POOL/AFP via Getty Images))


According to a Royal insider, three specific foods were strictly prohibited when the late Queen hosted state banquets. Tom Parker Bowles, son of Queen Camilla, recently shared some insights into the dietary preferences of our past and present monarchs in a Daily Mail article.

He painted a vivid picture of state banquets as "glittering and gilded" affairs, held up to thrice yearly either at St George's Hall at Windsor or the ballroom at Buckingham Palace, with its grand horseshoe table.

He described these events as more than just meals, but rather a "brilliantly choreographed ballet, 'souffle' diplomacy at its finest". He added: "Dinners may now only stretch to three courses, but they are still powerful diplomatic tools: edible statecraft, pure dinnertime diplomacy."

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Queen Elizabeth II
Queen Elizabeth II -Credit:(Image: Getty Images)

The menus for these events, still written in French, are sent to the King and Queen for their approval. Tom Parker Bowles added that the late Queen, like the King, was meticulous about details.

While researching his new book, Tom Parker Bowles spoke with Royal Chef Mark Flanagan and learned that Her Majesty always designed the menus with her guests in mind, adding her own suggestions or recalling what certain guests enjoyed during their previous visits.

"Her Majesty always designed the menus for her guests, rather than herself. And added her own suggestions, or remembered that so-and-so really liked this or that the last time they came. Her memory was incredible. All the menus had her hand on them", he said.

However, there were three foods that were never served at these opulent Royal banquets.

He revealed: "Spicy food is not an option, nor shellfish (for reasons of potential poisoning), or dishes laden with garlic. Seasonality is ever important and ingredients are gathered, where possible, from the royal estates."

"Times may have changed, and appetites diminished. But one thing is eternally true. No one ever leaves the royal table hungry."

Tom Parker Bowles, reflecting on the eating habits of our current Royals, said: " Queen Camilla, my mother, eats a very light lunch a bowl of chicken soup, perhaps, or some smoked salmon and the King doesn't eat lunch at all. Tea however is a serious, though very relaxed meal, wherever it may be. While dinners, away from the official pomp and circumstance, are very laid back indeed."

He also emphasised the importance of fresh seasonal ingredients in Royal cooking, adding: "With the exception of state banquets and official dinners, the King and Queen eat simple, healthy and resolutely seasonal food, whether they're at Buckingham Palace, Sandringham or Balmoral. Their chefs, under the expert control of Royal Chef Mark Flanagan, travel with them."

"The King and Queen really know their food. There is no man who knows more about food and farming, from the best of British cheeses, through rare breeds of sheep and cow, to heritage varieties of plum, apple and pear, than the King."

"Charles is a true food hero, and he very much practises what he preaches. The King has long talked about the importance of sustainable agriculture and there is no waste at his table."

The insight into Royal dining habits comes from Tom Parker Bowles' book, 'Cooking And The Crown', set for release on September 26.