King Charles’ strict diet rule he breaks on solo picnics

Being the head of England and the Commonwealth is surely hungry work, and if there’s one thing about King Charles, the monarch is, according to his former royal chef, the ultimate “foodie.”

His former chefs, Carolyn Robb and Darren McGrady, previously opened up about His Majesty’s eclectic palette, as well as the one culinary rule he would break should he fancy a solo picnic at his beloved Scottish home, Balmoral. 

According to the professionals, Charles didn’t have a penchant for sweet treats, unless he decided to “go painting in the hills of [Balmoral],” Chef McGrady previously told Delish. 

That is when he would indulge, the chef explains, adding: “He’d often pack a picnic with a ‘big, thick sandwich’ and possibly a dessert – like a piece of plum pudding.”

But, other than that, King Charles much prefers savoury food to sweet. Chef Robb added: “He really doesn’t have much of a sweet tooth,” explaining that even though Charles is frequently served cake at afternoon tea, he rarely eats it.

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Instead, according to Darren, King Charles favours Italian cuisine and other healthy, fresh dishes. One of his favourite dinners is a rack of lamb sous vide with wild mushroom risotto. 

This worked out well for Prince Harry and Prince William, who would have pizza when Italian was on the menu, the experts add.

King Charles’ special connection to the Scottish Highlands

The Scottish Highlands hold the utmost importance in the King’s heart and remain the poignant backdrop to countless family memories. 

The Scottish royal residence was beloved by his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II and regarded as her “happiest place” and “lifelong summer sanctuary.”

Charles previously wrote of his affections for the location. “Balmoral has been the cherished Scottish home of my family since the estate was purchased by Prince Albert, my great-great-great-grandfather, in 1852.

“With its buildings of startling individuality, which never fail to fascinate, and its precious, almost sacred, surrounding landscape, it is a place where there is constant change, yet everything remains unaltered, with a sense of timelessness which refreshes the soul.

“Since my earliest childhood, it has held, and continues to hold, a uniquely special place in the hearts of my family and myself, and my late mother particularly treasured her time at Balmoral.

“It was here, in these most beloved of surroundings, that she chose to spend her final days.”