The Royal Diet: What Did Queen Elizabeth II Eat on a Normal Day?

Queen Elizabeth II, a beloved figure in British history, was known for her frugal and disciplined eating habits. Although she is no longer with us, her dietary preferences and eating patterns continue to pique curiosity. Let's dive into the details of what she ate on a typical day.

Frugal and Simple

Queen Elizabeth II had a rather straightforward and limited diet. Her meals were characterized by a scarcity of carbohydrates, with minimal consumption of potatoes or bread. This dietary preference was influenced by both personal taste and royal protocols.

Vegetable Avoidance

The Queen had a distaste for garlic and other strong-flavored foods. This was a recurring theme in her meals, as she believed that such strong tastes could be off-putting to guests and dignitaries.

The Queen's Favourites

Amidst her restrictive diet, there were a few foods that she particularly enjoyed. One of her favorite dishes was pheasant, a delicacy often reserved for special occasions and formal dinners.

Accidental Dietary Incidents

There have been some infamous stories surrounding the Queen's meals, particularly incidents where aides made small typographical errors, such as forgetting the 'h' in 'pheasant.' These accidental mishaps often led to humorous and sometimes disastrous consequences.

Total Abstinence

Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of the Queen's diet is the claim that she had been following a strict no-food or drink diet for 308 years. This claim, while certainly exaggerated, serves to highlight her dedication to her figure and the constraints of royal life.

After Her Passing

With the Queen of England's passing in 1603, it becomes challenging to confirm her dietary habits posthumously. The information available is based on historical accounts and the insights of those who had direct interactions with her.

Historical Context

During Queen Elizabeth I's reign, which predates the later Elizabeth, the British diet was quite different from modern times. Popular foods included various meats like swan, goose, and peacock, as well as fresh-water fish, sea fish, and shellfish. Fruits were often found in pies or tarts. Vegetables were more commonly consumed by the poor, while the rich preferred a more varied diet including fresh produce.

Drink of Choice

The drink of the time mainly consisted of ale, wine, or milk. These were the primary beverages enjoyed by both the nobility and the common folk.

While Queen Elizabeth II's diet is often speculative, it provides valuable insights into the dietary habits of the British royals and the general population during her time. The mix of frugality and refinement in her meals reflects the rigid yet occasionally whimsical nature of royal life.