Royal Family Members Can’t Eat Shellfish, Potatoes, or Pasta in Public
Next time you're tempted to marry a royal, remember these facts.
In some respects, it makes sense that the royal family must follow intense rules. Like, take the reported no-selfies-allowed restriction. On the one hand, selfies are everywhere and it might be hard to tell Kate Middleton she can't post a particularly cute hair day on her Instagram. On the other hand, though, this is a family that’s supposed to represent England’s cultural and charitable values, so do we really want to see royals posting bathroom mirror LOTDs?
But then again, there are some royal restrictions that seem nearly impossible to follow. According to an interview in the Telegraph with former palace chef Darren McGrady, become a princess and you can pretty much kiss carbohydrates goodbye.
McGrady told the publication that, when it comes to not being allowed to eat certain foods in public, like shellfish and foie gras, the restriction exists because they’re too “risky.” He didn’t elaborate on what was risky about them, but Yahoo Sport reported that it’s believed Prince Charles had animal welfare concerns on the brain when he banned the decidedly politically incorrect foie gras. And as for seafood, well, you can imagine the photos of Prince William in a bib cracking into some juicy king crab legs and...yeah, O.K., that one kind of makes sense. Not exactly a refined way to eat. (Though that doesn't stop the rules from sometimes being broken.)
But then McGrady, who was the chef at Buckingham Palace from 1982 to 1993, dropped this bombshell: “No potatoes, rice or pasta for dinner.” Read that again. No. Pasta. I now fully understand why Meghan Markle couldn’t handle the pressure. No pasta?! Scrutiny from millions of people from multiple countries all day and then no pasta to reward yourself at the end of the day?!
Fortunately, McGrady elaborates that this rule is more about what to serve when the Queen is dining with the family—HRH is apparently not a fan of carbs for dinner. “'When she dines on her own she’s very disciplined. No starch is the rule...Just usually something like grilled sole with vegetables and salad.”
And Yahoo Sport also reminds us of a clip from Duchess Camilla's appearance on MasterChef Australia, when she was asked about what was absent from the royal table. "I hate to say this, but garlic. Garlic is a no-no." That would be a hard one to follow, too.
Although clearly not everyone is following the strict no-pasta, no-garlic rule: As we reported last year, Prince George’s favorite food is reportedly the rather grown-up dish pasta carbonara.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Marie Claire is committed to celebrating the richness and scope of women's lives. We're known for our award-winning features, thoughtful essays and op-eds, deep commitment to sustainable fashion, and buzzy interviews and reviews. Reaching millions of women every month, MarieClaire.com is an internationally-recognized destination for celebrity news, fashion trends, beauty recommendations, and renowned investigative packages.
-
32 Great TV Shows That Capture What We Love About Our Closest Friendships
Watch these with your bestie (or when you miss them).
By Katherine J. Igoe Published
-
Princess Kate's Sculpted Cheeks Could Be the Work of This Insider-Loved Treatment
The technique also has Meghan Markle's stamp of approval.
By Hanna Lustig Published
-
Kaia Gerber Test-Drives Selena Gomez's Winter Shoe Styling Hack
There's still a way to wear those open-toe heels.
By Halie LeSavage Last updated
-
Princess Kate "Is a Different Person" After Cancer Battle, Says Royal Insider
"She won’t be going back to work in the same way for a long time.”
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Prince William and Princess Kate are Experiencing "Calm Before the Storm" as They Prep for Throne
"They are next in line for the biggest job of their lives," a source says.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Every Time the Royal Family Broke Protocol in 2024, From Minor Rule Changes to Huge Mistakes
Meet the usual suspects: King Charles, Queen Camilla, Prince William, and Kate Middleton.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Prince William Is Allegedly Still "Very, Very Angry" About Royal Rift, But Kate Middleton Is Pushing For "Reconciliation"
"Never give up hope, there's always a chance."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Kate Middleton's Family Played a "Pivotal" Role in the Royal Family's Most "Traumatic Year"
Princess Kate's parents have reportedly been "very welcomed into the royal fold."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
How Prince Louis Helped Kate Middleton Pull Off a Major Christmas Surprise for Princess Charlotte
Best little brother ever.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Princess Kate's 2024 Christmas Carol Service Outfit Is a Holiday Styling Gift
She attended her fourth annual Christmas carol service looking festive.
By Halie LeSavage Last updated
-
Jack Schlossberg Has a Kate Middleton Photo in His Room, and Royal Fans Want Answers
"John F. Kennedy's grandson having a picture of William and Kate in his living room wasn't on my bingo card this year."
By Amy Mackelden Published