
We wanted to honor Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee in some
fashion - and how better than this behind-the-scenes look
at what the royal family has eaten through the most recent
generations? The variety has been quite astounding, even ignoring
Edward VII's gargantuan menus. As Rachel Cooke in The
Observer notes, "And so it continues, the strange
coupling of decadence and moderation. The royals remind me of the
friend who points out, when the bill comes, that they did not have
pudding - shortly before announcing they are off to their new
second home for the weekend."
And there is a strong contrast between the generations. We're
still trying to get our tastebuds around Queen Victoria's favorite
drink, a mixture of claret and whisky, but that's a lot more fun
than George VI's complete prohibition of wine during WWII (while
insisting that mashed potates be served with everything). And from
afar, it's hard to imagine the Duke of Edinburgh happily barbecuing
outdoors, but not so hard to understand the Prince of Wales'
obsession with the perfect four-minute egg.
Enjoy!