Princess Diana endures in our cultural memory, earning the moniker "The People's Princess" for a reason. The unending fascination with every facet of her life was evident when her personal chef revealed new surprising details about her daily dietary choices. Today we will take a look at some of the most interesting tidbits that Dana’s chef has given away over the years.
Chef to the Royal Family
McGrady had been cooking for the Royal Family since 1982 when he began working as a chef to the Queen and Prince Philip. He stepped out of his long-time comfort zone to take the job as Diana's private chef at Kensington Palace. While she was still a Princess at this time, her marriage to Prince Charles was well on its way to being over.
He Spilled the Tea
In a candid 2017 Marie Claire interview, McGrady, the culinary maestro behind the royal kitchen, spilled the delectable details of Princess Diana's dining rituals. He described how different the rituals of the sophisticated royal family could be compared to the more down to earth nature of Diana.
Late for Dinner
In a delightful revelation, McGrady unveiled a charming quirk in the Queen Mother's dining routine. She was always told that dinner was scheduled 15 minutes earlier than it actually was. Why the deception? Well, the Queen Mother had a habit of fashionably arriving a tad behind schedule, and the royal kitchen gracefully adjusted to her poor sense of timing.
The Taste of Queen Elizabeth
Queen Elizabeth had a penchant for estate delicacies like game birds—pheasants, grouse, partridge. However, garlic was a royal foe, earning its place on the "disliked" list for both taste and aroma. On the sweeter side, chocolate ruled her heart, but there was no room for milk chocolate frivolities. For the queen, it had to be the deep, rich allure of dark chocolate—because, as McGrady put it, the darker, the better!
The Beauty of Diana
McGrady was Princess Diana's private chef for a blissful four years. Reflecting on this royal experience in 2017, McGrady fondly shared with HuffPost, "They were the happiest times at Kensington." Intriguingly, Diana's dining style stood apart – a departure from grand banquets. McGrady, accustomed to Downton-style extravaganzas, found joy in crafting intimate culinary moments, revealing a side of Diana that danced to a more personal tune.
A Laid Back Style
McGrady unravels a charming dining ritual of Princess Diana. When she was alone for a meal, she'd casually perch on the kitchen countertop, engaging in lively conversation as McGrady prepared her tray. Even in moments of hosting, Diana's preference was for an intimate affair—a circular table, hosting no more than ten.
A World Apart
The paradox of royalty, veiled in opulence and centuries-old tradition, can be both improbable and relatable. While some see royal life as an exclusive realm detached from reality, others see beyond the grandeur. Behind palace walls, the royals, for all their privilege, are, at the core, just people navigating life's road.
Diana Stood Apart
McGrady, having known many royals over the years, attests to Princess Diana's uniqueness among the blue-blooded clientele. The simple act of sharing a kitchen lunch was a departure from the norm, a gesture unseen by other royals. Diana's distinct approach extended beyond meals; her demeanor toward McGrady and his team differed noticeably from the customary royal script.
A Royal Dynamic
In the intricate ballet of royal protocol, McGrady unveils the choreography reserved for the Queen's entrance into the kitchen. An orchestrated pause in activity, a synchronized setting aside of utensils, followed by a formal retreat, bowing with the precision of a royal decree. Every movement was regulated, every gesture steeped in reverence.
Down to Earth Diana
In stark contrast to the regal theatrics, McGrady paints a vivid portrait of Princess Diana's unassuming presence in the kitchen. No grand entrances, no formalities. Instead, a casual stroll with a simple request, "Darren, I need a coffee—oh, you're busy. I'll make it. Do you want one?"
Early to Bed, Early to Rise
In 2016, McGrady shared with Hello! magazine that Princess Diana preferred hosting lunch over dinner when entertaining. Her practical reason? Diana, an early riser, cherished her sleep and found evening events, especially grand palace dinners, too late for her liking. Lunchtime gatherings allowed her to enjoy socializing without sacrificing her early bedtime.
No Gossip Lunches
According to McGrady, Diana had a second reason for preferring lunchtime entertaining: "I can't invite men back for dinner because the media would find out, and then I'm in real trouble. So, whenever I do an event or have a friend round, I have to have them for lunch."
A Unique Connection
Despite the professional nature of their association, McGrady was candid with Hello!, acknowledging the clear employer-employee dynamic with Princess Diana. While he harbored no illusions about being her confidante, he sensed a unique connection. Beyond the typical boundaries, Diana occasionally opened up to him about her challenges, forging a bond that transcended the conventional employer-employee relationship.
Di Couldn’t Cook
McGrady's comfort in sharing a joke stemmed from a humorous truth—he divulged to HuffPost that Diana's culinary skills were, to put it plainly, dreadful. Chuckling, he remarked, “She was just the worst, a terrible person in the kitchen.” In a gesture of culinary survival, McGrady, responsible for pre-cooking her weekend meals, went as far as leaving detailed microwave instructions to ensure Princess Diana didn't face any kitchen calamities.
Prince William Takes After His Mother
Prince William, the future King of England, inherited his mother’s lack of culinary skills. Princess Catherine told the BBC that William used to try to impress her with his cooking skills when the couple was young but his attempts usually ended dreadfully.
William and Harry
During McGrady's time at Kensington, his culinary duties extended beyond Princess Diana to include the appetites of young Princes William and Harry. Taking charge when William was 11 and Harry a mere nine, McGrady shared with the Daily Mail that the young princes had a penchant for his "comfort food."
Royal Comfort Foods
"The boys would love to eat things like shepherd’s pie and banana flan. When I was cooking for the princes, they loved pizza and potato skins stuffed with mozzarella.” And, of course, the timeless favorite—fish fingers. These preferences highlight a charming relatability; despite their royal lineage, William and Harry were just kids who reveled in familiar, kid-friendly delights, showcasing a delightful blend of regality and down-to-earth tastes.
McDonald’s Runs
In a culinary departure from McGrady's gourmet creations, the princes had a surprising love for something entirely different. Recalling the amusing anecdote in 2017, McGrady shared with Marie Claire, “I remember the princess came into the kitchen one day and said, ‘Cancel lunch for the boys, I’m taking them out, we’re going to McDonald’s.’” Even amidst royal tastes, the allure of fast food, specifically McDonald's, found a place in the princes' hearts.
Everyone Wants the Toy
In response to Diana's unconventional lunch plan, McGrady, ever adaptable, assured, “Oh my God, Your Royal Highness, I can do that, I can do burgers.” To his surprise, Diana confessed that it wasn't just about the burgers; it was the extra magic of McDonald's—the coveted Happy Meal toys that had captured the princes' imaginations.
The Best Breakfast
Diana's culinary cravings took a humble turn, as McGrady spilled the beans—quite literally—on her breakfast favorites. In the company of her favored Heinz baked beans, Diana's morning spread included a refreshing ensemble of pink grapefruit, orange juice, and coffee. It seems even in her choice of breakfast, Princess Diana's palate favored a mix of simplicity and classic comfort.
Beans for Breakfast
“She’d actually eat a whole tin of beans for breakfast.” Contrary to the initial surprise, McGrady shed light on the nutritional wisdom behind this choice, explaining, “They’re perfect for her to eat that really big carb boost ready for going to the gym and doing a workout.” Princess Diana's breakfast choice, it seems, was a mindful blend of energy and nutrition.
UK Breakfast Vs US Breakfast
McGrady, transitioning from royal kitchens to the U.S., encountered a breakfast blunder. Accustomed to Princess Diana's fondness for British-style baked beans, he assumed a universal love for the tomato sauce-laden delight. However, the American palate had different breakfast inclinations, and McGrady's assumption didn't quite hit the mark, highlighting the nuanced and regional tastes that govern our culinary preferences.
A Healthy Princess
Diana's affection for baked beans mirrored her broader approach to eating, characterized by a penchant for health-conscious choices. McGrady revealed that she typically steered clear of unhealthy meals and harbored a particular aversion to carbohydrates. When faced with the inevitable, Diana would jest with McGrady, saying, “You take care of the fats, I’ll take care of the carbs at the gym.”
Entertaining Celebrities
Diana's culinary inclinations leaned towards the wholesome, with a particular fondness for the unassuming stuffed pepper. Generally steering clear of red meat, she made an exception for special occasions, especially when hosting guests. McGrady recalled one such instance when Hollywood icon Clint Eastwood joined her for a meal. On these rare occasions, Diana would specifically request McGrady to prepare lamb.
Eggs for Lunch
Eggs Suzette claimed a spot as one of Diana's lunchtime favorites, reportedly enjoyed multiple times each week. A culinary delight that combined simplicity with a touch of elegance, offering a flavorful glimpse into Diana's refined palate.
A Royal Dessert
Diana's sweet tooth favored a quintessentially English delight—bread and butter pudding. Often likened to a U.S. bread pudding fused with the elegance of crème brûlée, this dessert found a special place in her heart. The delicate balance of sweetness and tradition, it seems, made for a dessert fit for royalty.
Raising Healthy Boys
In a bid to instill healthy eating habits in her growing princes, Diana approached meals with a clever strategy. McGrady said, “We used to trick the boys. We used to feed them roast potatoes and roast chicken but take the skin off.” Diana's culinary ingenuity extended to her potatoes, opting for a more health-conscious version—parboiled, seasoned with paprika and egg whites.
The Same but Different
McGrady elaborated on Diana's health-conscious approach, sharing, “She’d cut out the fat, so it was always poached chicken, no skin, no fatty potatoes.” In contrast, the young princes were treated to a more indulgent version, where biting into the chicken released rich, fatty juices. The clever charade worked seamlessly, with William and Harry under the impression that they were enjoying the same dish as their mother,
Eating with Oprah
Diana's art of deception extended beyond her children to include notable guests like Oprah Winfrey. While indulging in McGrady's delectable tomato mousse, Oprah, impressed by the rich flavors, queried, “Diana, how do you stay so slim eating rich food like this?” Little did Oprah know, Diana had enlisted McGrady to ensure that the seemingly lavish dishes were crafted with a health-conscious twist.
Diana’s Version
Little did Oprah know, Diana was served a fat-free version of the tomato mousse crafted specifically for her, while Oprah enjoyed the unabashed richness of the real deal made with heavy cream, mayo, and sour cream. McGrady chuckled, revealing, “Diana never did tell her the truth,” showcasing the princess's tactful grace in maintaining an air of mystery around her culinary choices.
Unhealthy Eating
McGrady shed light on the motivations behind Diana's shift to a healthier diet, acknowledging that it wasn't always her preferred path. The princess had battled bulimia, a condition that, according to a 1992 biography by Andrew Morton, took hold after Diana's engagement to Prince Charles. This insight adds a poignant layer to Diana's culinary choices, reflecting her journey towards a more mindful and health-conscious approach to eating.
Dietary Struggles
The 1992 biography, derived from recordings made by Diana herself, provided a raw and personal account. In these recordings, Diana candidly shared, “The bulimia started the week after we got engaged and would take nearly a decade to overcome." She revealed that a hurtful comment from her husband, Prince Charles, was a triggering moment.
In the Dark
In her 1995 interview with Martin Bashir, Diana confronted the issue of bulimia with striking candor. She acknowledged, “I had bulimia for a number of years. And that’s like a secret disease.”
Difficult Emotions
In the same interview, Diana talked about how she used food for comfort and to feel in control. She acknowledged that her emotional ties to food made defeating the disease more difficult.
More Secrets
Diana admitted to keeping her battle with bulimia concealed from the other members of the royal family, driven by a deep sense of guilt. She explained, “The thing about bulimia is your weight always stays the same, whereas with anorexia you visibly shrink. So, you can pretend the whole way through. There’s no proof.”
Coming Clean
"It wasn’t until she confronted it, and everyone put two and two together, that she started really healthy eating…” This pivotal moment marked a culinary transformation in the royal kitchen, reflecting Diana's commitment to a healthier lifestyle and signaling a shift towards a more conscious and nutritious approach to food.
A Lucky Chef
Reflecting on his time with Diana and her young princes, McGrady expressed deep fondness. He shared with Hello! magazine, “I was just honored to be in the right place at the right time and watch William and Harry grow up. She absolutely adored the two of them. She would be so thrilled right now with both of them.”
Fond Memories
McGrady's memories underscore the warmth and genuine connection that marked his culinary journey alongside Princess Diana, emphasizing the enduring impact of their time together.
Time Well Spent
Darren McGrady, the esteemed former chef to The Queen, Princess Diana, Princes William and Harry, dedicated well over a decade to culinary service within the British Royal family. His expertise graced both Buckingham and Kensington Palaces, leaving an indelible mark on the royal culinary experience.
A Never Ending Journey
Today, Darren McGrady has transitioned into the role of Owner at Eating Royally Catering, showcasing his culinary expertise in a new venture. Additionally, he has authored several books, further sharing his culinary insights and experiences with a broader audience.