Six Foods the British Royal Family Avoid and Why
The life of the British royal family appears regulated down to what is served at mealtimes. The menus at the palace are not just about taste; they reflect tradition, etiquette, health, and the monarchy’s image in the eyes of the public.
Times of India reported, via CNBC Indonesia (19 May 2026), that several former royal staffers have revealed certain foods are rarely, or never, served at royal tables. Here is the list:
Shellfish and raw seafood. Shellfish such as oysters, prawns, or mussels are said to be avoided by the royal family, particularly when travelling overseas, to reduce the risk of food poisoning. Former Chief Gentleman-in-Waiting Grant Harrold explained this precautionary approach, though former royal chef Darren McGrady did admit serving scallops and prawns to Queen Elizabeth II on occasion, indicating it is a precaution rather than a ban.
Meat cooked rare or medium-rare. Dishes featuring raw or undercooked meat, such as steak tartare and burgers cooked medium-rare, are avoided. In his book Eating Royally, McGrady wrote that Queen Elizabeth II preferred meat cooked thoroughly, in part for safety, given the family’s busy schedules and high public appearances.
Garlic and raw onions. One of the most famous royal rules is to avoid garlic. During MasterChef Australia in 2018, Queen Camilla confirmed garlic is avoided at royal functions to prevent bad breath when meeting the public. McGrady added that raw onions are rarely used in the palace kitchen for similar reasons. Etiquette, he says, is considered more important than any particular taste.
Foie gras. King Charles III is known to have banned foie gras from royal residences since his time as Prince of Wales. Foie gras, a French delicacy made from force-fed duck or goose liver, has drawn criticism from animal-welfare groups. Charles’s decision aligned with his concerns for animal welfare and sustainable farming.
Off-season fruit. Queen Elizabeth II was known for her fondness for seasonal foods. For example, strawberries are not served in winter if they are not in natural season. The royal family says fruit is served in season because it tastes fresher and better. This practice also aligns with farming traditions at royal estates such as Sandringham House and Balmoral Castle, which grow much of their own produce.
Refined sugar and artificial sweeteners. King Charles III is said to prefer a healthy eating pattern with reduced refined sugar and ultra-processed foods. He more often chooses honey or fruit as natural sweeteners, paired with whole grains, vegetables, and lean proteins. The Queen, by contrast, was known to enjoy chocolate; McGrady even described her as a chocolate lover. However, portion control was still observed.
Behind these rules, the overarching aims are health and public image. The royal household’s menu choices are weighed for poisoning risk, oral odour at official events, and overall healthy living to ensure longevity and fitness.