It’s not every day that royal children venture into the palace kitchen. However, when they do, things can get a little chaotic.
(Photo: Instagram) Princess Diana had a more relaxed approach to mealtime
Chef Darren McGrady, who served Queen Elizabeth, Prince Philip, Princess Diana, Prince William, and Prince Harry, shared an amusing tale of Prince William’s kitchen mishap. According to McGrady, the young princes were often in the kitchen, curious and eager to learn.
“They were always asking what’s for lunch or just hanging around,” McGrady recalled.
One particular incident stands out in his memory. William, eager to help, wanted to assist with making stuffed eggplants for Princess Diana.
“He was so keen,” McGrady said. “He lifted the dish from the oven, and as he placed it on the table, it collapsed. Just at that moment, Princess Diana walked in, and it was like a train smash.” Despite the mess, they all took it in good humor. This revealed the royal family's playful side.
Diana’s Relaxed Dining Rules
Princess Diana had a more relaxed approach to mealtime compared to traditional royal standards. McGrady remembered how Diana would allow her sons to enjoy their dinner while watching TV on Saturday nights.
“She wanted them to be royal princes but also children,” he said.
(Photo: Instagram) Princes Harry and William were often in the kitchen
The boys’ favorite meals included cottage pie, roast chicken, and vegetables, alongside typical childhood favorites like burgers and hot dogs. Additionally, the chef also shared a light-hearted battle between Diana and the boys’ nanny, who insisted they eat their greens.
“Diana was more relaxed about it,” McGrady revealed. He also recalled a moment when Diana confided in him about her sons' differing personalities. “William’s deep like his father, and Harry’s just an airhead, like me,” she said with a smile.
Prince Philip’s Ice Cream Incident
Even the late Prince Philip wasn’t immune to kitchen disasters. McGrady shared a memorable incident involving the Duke of Edinburgh and a mishap with ice cream. Philip, known for his love of desserts, once visited the kitchen to check on the ice creams made with berries from the Balmoral Gardens.
“He wanted to know what flavors we had,” McGrady explained.
The moment turned chaotic when a pastry chef attempted to show Philip the ice creams.
“He opened the freezer, and the handle broke off,” McGrady recounted. “It spun around like a Catherine wheel. But Philip didn’t get angry. He just burst out laughing. He had a great sense of humor.”
Meeting the Queen and Her Corgis
McGrady’s first encounter with Queen Elizabeth was nothing short of memorable, thanks to her beloved corgis. Initially, his task was to prepare menus and dog food for the royal pets.
(Photo: Instagram) McGrady’s first encounter with Queen Elizabeth had him running away from the corgis
Recalling their first meeting at Balmoral Castle, McGrady said, “I saw the Queen and the corgis in the distance and got excited. As they got closer, the dogs saw me and started barking. I was so scared I turned around and ran away. The Queen thought it was hilarious.”
These stories offer unique insights into the royal kitchen. Here, even the most prestigious family in the world experiences everyday mishaps and laughter.
