King Charles' fussy food rules revealed by former royal chef
A former chef to King Charles explains the peculiar rules His Majesty has at a royal feast as Charles and Camilla farewell the German president after a glittering state banquet.
King Charles is very specific when it comes to how he likes his food served according to a former royal chef.
Graham Tinsley, former manager of the Welsh Culinary Council Team which regularly catered royal events, told The Mirror the king had a well-known list of requests.
“Charles doesn’t like chocolate, he doesn’t like coffee, nor does he like garlic. So we do have to consider these things when we’re creating a menu for him,” Mr Tinsley said.
“Wherever he goes for a banquet, he always takes a few things with him to be placed on his table.
“He always takes a little silver Maldon sea salt container, and his favourite cushion. You can always spot Charles’ place setting at a table, because all his bits and pieces are there.”
The revelations come as the king and queen farewell the German President and First Lady following a successful state visit including a glittering banquet.
Mr Tinsley also revealed the king “requires a side salad for every meal” with the salad containing an egg which has been boiled for exactly three minutes.
“Normally, a soft-boiled egg takes around five minutes. So imagine this coddled egg … it’s going to be very, very soft.” Mr Tinsley said.
“The royal required a coddled egg that was peeled and hidden beneath salad leaves. He would then mash his salad leaves into the eggs to make a dressing – a bit like mayonnaise.
“Now, if you can imagine peeling an egg that’s only been boiled for a few minutes – you’d have to make several at a time because you’d end up breaking them in the process!”
The German delegation concluded their state visit with a reception for volunteering charities at Windsor Castle.
They were also shown the 180-year-old State Sleigh which was designed by German-born Prince Albert for his wife Queen Victoria.
CATHERINE STUNS IN RARELY SEEN TIARA
Princess Catherine stole the show at a star-studded banquet to mark the first German state visit in decades.
The historic occasion was held in St George’s Hall at Windsor Castle on Wednesday evening UK time and attended by 152 royals, politicians, and high-profile creatives.
King Charles, Queen Camilla and The Prince and Princess of Wales showcased their finest evening wear as they welcomed German President Frank-Walter and his wife Elke Budenbender.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer was seated next to the King and German supermodel Claudia Schiffer, who was once nicknamed the ‘ice queen' by the press because of her scandal-proof image, with film composer Hans Zimmer and violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter also on the long table.
Place settings were laid out for a host of senior royals who attended the prestigious event, including the Princess Anne and Prince Edward and Sophie.
Catherine wore Queen Victoria’s Oriental Circlet Tiara for the first time, a 172-year-old piece containing 2600 diamonds and rubies.
The crown was designed for Queen Victoria by her German-born husband, Prince Albert.
It was last seen in 2006 worn by the late Queen Elizabeth.
Catherine also debuted a sparkling pale blue gown by British designer Jenny Packham.
The royal appears to have a soft spot for Packham, having been spotted in at least 10 of her evening dresses in the past.
On social media, royal fans speculated whether the colour of Catherine’s dress was a nod to Germany.
Prussian blue, a pigment created in Berlin, became a signifier of the Prussian Army.
King Charles’ speech during the banquet emphasised the relationship between the two European countries amid a time of conflict.
“The United Kingdom and Germany together stand with Ukraine and bolster Europe against the threat of further Russian aggression,” the monarch said.
Charles also gave a nod to German traditions, reminding the table that the festive use of Christmas trees only came about in the 1800s when King George III was gifted one by his German wife, Queen Charlotte.
Responding to Charles’ collaborative message, President Steinmeier agreed Germany was “side-by-side in support of Ukraine”.
“We have a new security situation in Europe, if not in the whole world,” he added.
Guests were treated to a dinner experience inspired by both British and German cuisine.
Hot smoked trout with langoustines and quail eggs were served alongside Windsor partridge in puff pasty with confit cabbage.
Baked Alaska was on the menu for dessert and a Black Forest gateau flavour cocktail was served throughout the evening.
WILLIAM AND CATHERINE SHARE A TENDER MOMENT
Earlier, Prince William couldn’t resist reaching for his wife as the pair welcomed the German President to Windsor Castle.
William and Catherine were showing their guests special series of items relating to Germany from the Royal Collection in the Green Drawing Room when the prince instigated the unexpected PDA.
The Prince & Princess of Wales as well as The Duke of Edinburgh https://t.co/BBR635Zu01pic.twitter.com/rd0AFpVoOI
— Imperial Material ♚ (@implmaterial) December 3, 2025
As Catherine spoke animatedly to their guests, William reached over and rubbed her back causing her to light up and give him a loving gaze in return.
The usually buttoned up British royals have been more affectionate of late with Queen Camilla blowing Catherine a kiss earlier the same day.
The Germans were treated to a carriage procession through Windsor town and a Guard of Honour outside the castle.
The German President and First Lady are expected to accompany the King and Queen to a number of charities over the coming days.
PRINCE WILLIAM OPENS UP ON HIS FIRST HOME WITH CATHERINE
Prince William gave a glimpse into the early days of his relationship with Princess Catherine when he recalled the first home they shared together.
William was in Wales to visit a new manufacturing facility and attend the Wales Investment Summit where he referenced his time in the region with Catherine during a speech.
“Wales was the first place Catherine and I made our home together, on the island of Anglesey,” William said.
“When you make a home in Wales, you join a family of three million people, and the sense of warmth and belonging is what makes Wales unlike anywhere else.”
The Prince of Wales has long had a fondness for the nation with he and Catherine renting their first home – a comparatively humble four-bedroom farmhouse, for just $A1509 a month in Anglesey from 2010 to 2013.
The lived there as an engaged and then newly married couple and brought baby Prince George home to Wales before eventually relocating to London.
During their time living in Wales, William was working as a search and rescue helicopter pilot based at RAF Valley in Anglesey.
Princess Catherine undertook her first official royal engagement in Wales when she dedicated a lifeboat by smashing a champagne bottle against it just a few months before her marriage.
The future king and queen have recently settled in to the eight-bedroom mansion Forest Lodge.
The Daily Mail reports there have been a few teething issues settling into the new home as it is located on land next door to The Christmas tree Shop which is experiencing its annual peak season rush.
Customers wishing to purchase a real Christmas tree now have to take a 1.5km diversion to give the royal family privacy with traffic cones and security personnel enforcing the new route.
Originally published as King Charles' fussy food rules revealed by former royal chef
Join the conversation
‘Shouldn’t have come to this’: Stars praise ban
Read more
Meghan’s shock move as dad’s leg amputated
Read more