The Three Foods the Royal Family is Banned from Eating

You would be forgiven for assuming that the members of the Royal family could have their pick of the very best and exotic foods in the world, but that’s not the case. In fact, there are several delicacies that are off-limits for members or the Royal family.

So, what are they?

1. Seafood

This is one of the biggies, with the Royals banned from eating seafood. This rule is particularly important on Royal tours, and the reason is because of the risk of food poisoning. Former Royal butler Grant Harold explained, “It is a very sensible move to abandon having seafood when out and about on public duties. We don’t want a member of the Royal family having a serious reaction to food poisoning, especially is they are on an overseas tour.”

The Queen has always stuck to this rule, but her eldest son Prince Charles has been known to sometimes break the rule. Meghan Markle will probably miss seafood now, as she once said that seafood would feature in her ‘ideal food day’ along with pasta and a negroni.

2. Garlic

Garlic is such a popular ingredient is many dishes, but the Royals must do without it. Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall was asked once what foods she would hate to see being taken around at a royal reception, and her answer was, “I hate to say this, but garlic. Garlic is a no-no.”

The reason why is because the Royals are always talking to people during their public engagements, and it would be embarrassing if garlic breath was to make an appearance. The no-garlic rule is generally applied among all the Royal family members, and the Queen has reportedly banned garlic from her kitchens. Former royal chef Darren McGrady says that “We can never serve anything with garlic or too much onions.”

Another ex-royal chef, John Higgins, says, “The Royal family are wonderful people but they’re missing out on garlic because at Buckingham Palace you don’t cook with garlic.”

3. Foie Gras

There are also reports that foie gras has been banned from Royal tables. It is thought that back in 2008, Prince Charles banned the food from Royal households because of the outrage over the cruel method of obtaining it. Foie gras is made by force-feeding ducks and geese corn through a tube until their livers swell up to 10 times their normal size.

At the time, Prince Charles’ deputy master of the household, Andrew Farquharson, confirmed that the Prince’s chefs had been told not to buy foie gras.

While some of the Royal family may indulge in some of these banned foods in private, they would never do so publicly or at official Royal events or engagements.