As the longest reigning British monarch, Queen Elizabeth II has had a lifetime to develop her tastes and preferences when it comes to food. While Her Majesty enjoys many dishes, there are some foods that are known to be less favoured in the royal household.
Why might the Queen dislike certain foods?
There are a few potential reasons why Queen Elizabeth II may not enjoy certain foods:
- Personal taste preferences – Like any person, the Queen simply may not like the taste, texture, or smell of some foods. Her preferences have developed over her 97 years.
- Health reasons – With age, the Queen may have to avoid rich or hard to digest foods. She may also want to avoid foods that could cause illness.
- Tradition or etiquette – Some foods may be considered improper for royalty. The Queen is careful about dining etiquette.
- Reminders of difficult times – Some wartime or rationing dishes may remind the Queen of hard times in the past.
Her duties require her to dine at many official functions. While Queen Elizabeth aims to be polite, there are likely some foods she prefers to avoid when given the choice.
What foods does the Queen not like?
Here are some of the foods Queen Elizabeth II is known to dislike:
- Garlic – The Queen avoids garlic because of the lingering odour it can cause. She also does not like garlic breath at official functions.
- Rare meat – The Queen prefers well-done meat and avoids bloody or rare meat. This may be due to health precautions.
- Shellfish – The Queen does not eat shellfish. This may be to avoid any foodborne illness or allergic reaction.
- Potatoes – Queen Elizabeth does not like starchy potatoes, perhaps finding them too heavy for her dietary needs.
- Pasta – Reports say pasta-based dishes are rarely served in the royal household. The Queen is not a fan.
- Rice – Like potatoes and pasta, the Queen avoids eating rice with her meals. She seems to dislike these starchy sides.
The Queen also does not care for overly spicy or exotic dishes. She prefers more familiar British cuisine while avoiding foods with strong tastes or smells.
Foods the Queen enjoys
While Queen Elizabeth II avoids some foods, there are many dishes she is known to enjoy. Here are some of the Queen’s favourite foods:
| Food | Details |
|---|---|
| Scones | The Queen regularly enjoys afternoon tea with small sandwiches and scones served with clotted cream and jam. |
| Cake | Queen Elizabeth enjoys chocolate cake and honey cake baked at Buckingham Palace. |
| Eggs | The Queen often eats soft-boiled eggs for breakfast or scrambled eggs with smoked salmon. |
| Fish | Grilled Dover sole is said to be one of the Queen’s favourite meals. She enjoys other grilled or poached fish. |
| Venison | Venison from royal estates in Scotland is served roasted or in a casserole at meals. |
| Fruits | The Queen eats fresh, seasonal fruits daily such as melons, grapes, peaches, and berries. |
The Queen has simple tastes shaped by tradition and usually eats smaller portions of lighter fare. She prefers to avoid rich, heavy meals.
The Queen’s daily diet
Here is an overview of Queen Elizabeth II’s typical daily diet:
- Breakfast: Cereal followed by a small bowl of fruit and toast or boiled eggs with bacon or smoked salmon. Tea and biscuits.
- Lunch: Grilled fish or poultry with a salad or vegetables. Dessert of fruit or soufflé.
- Afternoon tea: Sandwiches, scones, cake, and tea in the late afternoon.
- Dinner: Lean meat or fish course followed by salad, dessert of fruit or sorbet. The Queen often has soup before dinner when dining formally.
The Queen stays well-hydrated by drinking tea throughout the day and avoiding alcohol except for special occasions. Her diet focuses on lighter proteins, fruits and vegetables.
How the Queen’s tastes impact royal menus
As monarch, the Queen’s food preferences impact the meals served at royal events and to visiting dignitaries. Here are some ways the royal kitchens accommodate the Queen:
- Avoiding garlic, chili, and exotic spices that may be offensive
- Serving meat well-done per the Queen’s style
- Including more fish, poultry, fruits, and vegetables
- Preparing soufflés, scones, and simple cakes for dessert
- Ensuring an afternoon tea is available with the Queen’s favourite sandwiches and scones
- Using local, seasonal ingredients grown on royal estates where possible
While visiting heads of state may have their national dishes or preferences highlighted, the food is tailored for the Queen when dining at Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle.
Conclusion
Queen Elizabeth II has developed unique tastes and eating habits over her long reign. While she avoids some foods, she enjoys others greatly. The Queen prefers to eat lightly, with emphasis on fruits, vegetables, and grains. Royal menus reflect her preferences for simplicity, quality ingredients, and afternoon tea.