Former Royal Family Chef Reveals Traditional Christmas Menu, Calls Choices “Boring”
Darren McGrady, a former chef for the Royal Family, has unveiled the Christmas menu enjoyed by the King and his family. Contrary to popular belief, the festive feast is not as extravagant as anticipated. McGrady, who has prepared approximately seven Christmas dinners for the royal household, disclosed that the royals prefer to adhere to tradition during this time of year.
According to McGrady, the menu has remained relatively unchanged throughout his tenure, resembling the meals enjoyed by many British families. “They’ve always been very traditional, so the royals eat the same things every year. They’re no different to most families in not wanting to mess around with the food at Christmas,” he informed OK magazine.
However, McGrady did reveal one peculiar tradition from his time with the royals: separate breakfasts for men and women. While the men indulged in a full English breakfast consisting of eggs, bacon, mushrooms, kippers, and grilled kidneys, the royal ladies preferred a lighter meal of sliced fruit, half a grapefruit, toast, and coffee delivered to their rooms. Following breakfast, the family traditionally attends church before returning for lunch.
“It was the same meal every year. They’re boring when it comes to festivities. They didn’t do hams or anything, just traditional turkeys. We did three turkeys for the Queen and her family in the royal dining room, one for the children’s nursery, and then more for the 100 or so staff, so everyone had a Christmas lunch,” McGrady added.
The centerpiece of the Christmas lunch is the turkey, accompanied by mashed and roast potatoes, chestnut or sage and onion stuffing, cranberry sauce, and bread sauce. Vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, carrots, and roast parsnips are also served. In previous years, the drinks selection included a classic gin and dubonnet cocktail, as well as a glass of Gewurztraminer – a German white wine.
Following the meal, the royals traditionally take a walk around Sandringham Estate before gathering to watch the Queen’s speech. However, this year will be different, as King Charles will be delivering his first Christmas speech since ascending to the throne.
“For the Christmas Eve dinner, we’d serve a fish course, salad, and then often venison from the Sandringham estate. Dessert was typically a tarte tatin or chocolate perfection pie, which Queen Elizabeth loved. Chocolate was one of her biggest weaknesses,” the chef revealed.
While the Royal Family’s Christmas menu may not be as extravagant as some might imagine, it is undoubtedly steeped in tradition and reflects the preference for familiar and comforting dishes during the festive season.
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