As the Queen of England, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has access to the finest foods and can enjoy elaborate meals prepared by world-class chefs. However, when it comes to breakfast, the Queen keeps things simple and sensible.
The Queen’s Typical Breakfast
According to Darren McGrady, who served as the Queen’s personal chef for 15 years, the Queen usually starts her day with a cup of tea and biscuits while still in bed. Her maid brings in a tray around 7:30 am containing the tea, milk, and McVitie’s chocolate digestive biscuits, which are said to be Her Majesty’s favorites.
Once she gets up and dressed, around 8:30 am, the Queen joins the rest of the royal family for a more substantial breakfast in the dining room. This meal is an opportunity for the family to meet and discuss their schedules for the day. Typical breakfast fare includes:
- Cereal
- Yogurt
- Toast and preserves
- Fresh fruit
- Juices
- Tea and coffee
The Queen is said to enjoy Kellogg’s cereals like Special K and Corn Flakes, as well as healthy yogurts and fresh fruits in season. Her toast is usually whole wheat with a spread of marmalade. Tea is always a staple for the Queen, taken with milk but no sugar.
Though she does not cook, Her Majesty is happy to help herself to the buffet laid out by palace staff, rather than having anything made fresh to order. Breakfast is efficient but pleasant – the Queen does not linger long, usually finishing within 30 minutes.
The Queen’s Breakfast Preferences
When it comes to Her Majesty’s breakfast tastes, it’s well known that the Queen has a bit of a sweet tooth. In addition to her penchant for jam and biscuits, here are some of her favorite morning indulgences:
- Waffles with berries and whipped cream
- Poached kippers (smoked herring)
- Croissants with her homemade marmalade
- Scrambled eggs with smoked salmon and truffle
- Dundee cake (fruit cake with almonds)
Though she’s careful about rich foods, the Queen does enjoy eggs prepared by her chefs in creative ways like scrambled with salmon. She also has been known to appreciate a warm, buttery croissant with marmalade made from the fruit of her Balmoral estate in Scotland.
On special occasions like weekends at Windsor Castle, the royal chefs will prepare more elaborate dishes. Her Majesty has been served decadent waffles topped with fresh cream and berries picked from the gardens. The Queen also has a fondness for traditional English smoked fish like kippers, which palace chefs can poach to perfection when she’s feeling indulgent.
The Queen’s Healthy Eating Habits
While Her Majesty isn’t afraid to enjoy tempting morning treats, she does make an effort to eat balanced, healthy meals. Here are some of the Queen’s top breakfast nutrition practices:
- Starts the day with fruit, yogurt, juice and/or cereal
- Chooses whole grain or multigrain toast over white
- Uses minimal butter and preserves on toast
- Enjoys eggs prepared using low-fat methods like poaching
- Has fruit and milk with oatmeal or porridge
- Drinks tea instead of coffee for caffeine
The Queen knows she can enjoy small indulgences as long as she incorporates nutritious choices like fruit, yogurt and whole grains. She prefers healthy cooking techniques like steaming fish rather than frying. Her chef also uses minimal butter and salt when preparing Her Majesty’s meals.
Tea is the Queen’s preferred morning beverage because it contains less caffeine than coffee. She drinks it without milk or sugar to avoid extra calories from dairy and sweeteners. Lemon water is also a favorite alternative.
The Queen’s Daily Routine
Maintaining healthy habits at breakfast gives the Queen energy to sustain her active schedule. Here is what her typical day looks like:
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 7:30 am | Wakes up to bed tea |
| 8:30 am | Breakfast with family |
| 9:00 am | Goes through correspondence |
| 10:00 am | Meets with private secretary |
| 11:00 am | Visits with guests |
| 1:00 pm | Lunch |
| 2:00 pm | Goes on public engagements |
| 5:00 pm | Returns to palace for tea |
| 6:00 pm | Spends time with grandchildren |
| 8:30 pm | Dinner |
| 10:00 pm | Retires to private apartments |
The Queen’s days are always busy and full of obligations. Powering up properly with a nourishing breakfast gives Her Majesty the stamina she needs to carry out her royal duties tirelessly. She continues to maintain an active schedule supported by healthy eating habits.
The Evolution of the Queen’s Tastes
While Her Majesty’s morning meal habits have largely stayed the same, some components of the Queen’s breakfast preferences have evolved over her 70-year reign:
- Used to drink coffee for caffeine, now favors tea
- Added bran and fruit to porridge instead of just milk
- Began including yogurt, fruit juices and mineral water
- Switched from white toast to whole grain
- Decreased egg consumption over cholesterol concerns
As she has gotten older, the Queen has adapted her diet to boost nutrition and reduce unhealthful components like fat, salt and sugar. She now starts her day with lighter choices like fruit, bran cereal and yogurt rather than eggs and sausage. Her chefs work to create flavorful dishes that meet Her Majesty’s dietary needs.
Dining Etiquette with the Queen
When joining the Queen for breakfast, there are certain protocols to follow to ensure etiquette:
- Arrive 5-10 minutes before the meal start time
- Dress formally as you would for dinner
- Wait for the Queen to begin eating before you start
- Eat at a reasonable, steady pace
- Use utensils properly – no hands
- Don’t leave the table before others or the Queen
Guests should take time to enjoy the meal and conversation, without rushing or eating too slowly. Proper manners are always expected at the palace, even during more casual morning meals. By following etiquette guidelines, you will make a good impression on Her Majesty.
Conclusion
The Queen’s breakfast offers a glimpse into her daily habits and preferences. While she enjoys some sweet indulgences, Her Majesty makes nutrition a priority. Her typical morning menu contains fruit, yogurt, whole grains, and minimal butter and preserves. Special weekend and holiday breakfasts might include waffles, smoked fish, scrambled eggs, or fruit cake.
The Queen’s healthy choices and active schedule reflect her excellent stamina as she carries out her royal duties into her 10th decade of life. With proper etiquette and attire, a breakfast invitation from the Queen would surely be a memorable occasion!
