Foods Meghan Markle Is Prohibited From Eating
Understanding the Foods Meghan Markle Is Prohibited From Eating
Since marrying Prince Harry and becoming the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle’s lifestyle has undergone significant changes, including strict dietary restrictions. While she was once known for her love of diverse and flavorful foods, joining the British royal family means adhering to specific food protocols, especially during official events and travels. These rules are designed to maintain royal decorum, avoid health risks, and respect longstanding traditions.
Below, we explore the key foods Meghan Markle is prohibited from eating, why these restrictions exist, and how they impact her culinary choices as a royal.
Garlic: A Flavorful Favorite Off Limits
Garlic, a staple in many of Meghan’s favorite recipes such as Filipino chicken adobo, is now largely off limits during royal engagements. According to Darren McGrady, former Royal Chef at Buckingham Palace, the Queen prefers to avoid garlic in official menus. The reason goes beyond personal taste—garlic’s strong odor can linger and potentially interfere with the close interactions that royals frequently have.
Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, has also hinted that garlic breath is considered inappropriate in royal circles. Additionally, garlic can cause digestive discomfort like heartburn and gas, which are undesirable during public appearances. Thus, despite its culinary appeal, garlic is a prohibited ingredient for Meghan when attending royal functions.
Shellfish: A Risky Seafood Choice
Seafood, especially shellfish such as clams, oysters, and mussels, is another category Meghan must avoid during official duties. Shellfish can carry bacteria like E. coli and may be contaminated with heavy metals or industrial pollutants, posing a risk of severe food poisoning.
Given the demanding nature of royal schedules and the importance of maintaining impeccable composure, the risk of illness from shellfish is too great. While Meghan may enjoy seafood pasta or shrimp cocktails in private, these delicacies are generally off limits during public appearances or overseas visits.
Tap Water: Only Bottled or Filtered Allowed Abroad
Hydration remains essential for Meghan, but tap water is strictly prohibited when she travels internationally with the royal family. Water quality varies globally, and consuming untreated or unfamiliar tap water can lead to illnesses such as diarrhea, cholera, or typhoid.
To avoid these health risks, Meghan must rely on bottled or filtered water while abroad. This precaution ensures she stays healthy and ready to fulfill her royal responsibilities without interruption.
Raw Meat and Sushi: Avoiding Foodborne Illness
Raw meat, including sushi and sashimi, is discouraged for Meghan due to the risk of foodborne illnesses. While raw fish carries different microorganisms than raw land animal meat, the potential for contamination remains a concern, especially when traveling.
Royal protocol advises that meats be cooked thoroughly—at least to 160 degrees Fahrenheit—to minimize health risks. This means Meghan must forgo her previous enjoyment of sushi and other raw meat dishes during official events and trips.
Foie Gras: A Controversial Delicacy Banned in Royal Kitchens
Foie gras, a luxury food made from the liver of a specially fattened duck or goose, is banned within royal kitchens due to ethical concerns. Prince Charles, known for his advocacy of animal welfare, prohibited foie gras from being served at Buckingham Palace and instructed royal suppliers to stop selling it.
Although not explicitly forbidden for Meghan to consume privately, eating foie gras publicly or at royal events could be seen as a breach of royal protocol. This restriction reflects the royal family’s commitment to ethical food sourcing.
Spicy Food: Limited to Avoid Discomfort
Meghan’s love for spicy cuisine, including hot sauces and marinated red chilies, has had to be curtailed. Spicy foods can cause heartburn, skin irritation, and digestive upset—conditions that are inconvenient during royal duties.
While spicy dishes are popular in many Commonwealth countries the royals visit, Meghan must moderate her intake to maintain comfort and composure. This means finding alternative ways to enjoy flavorful meals without the intense heat.
Exotic Dishes: Avoiding Unfamiliar Ingredients
As an avid traveler and foodie, Meghan once enjoyed sampling exotic dishes worldwide. However, royal protocol discourages consuming unfamiliar or exotic foods during official trips. The reason is simple: the body may not be accustomed to local microbes, increasing the risk of traveler’s diarrhea or other illnesses.
To ensure she remains healthy and able to perform her duties, Meghan must stick to safer, more familiar foods when abroad, avoiding culinary risks that could jeopardize her wellbeing.
Dining Etiquette: Waiting for the Queen’s Lead
When dining with Queen Elizabeth II, Meghan must follow strict etiquette rules, including not touching her food before the Queen has taken the first bite. Additionally, once the Queen finishes her meal, all plates are promptly cleared, regardless of whether guests have finished eating.
These customs, dating back to Queen Victoria’s reign, emphasize respect and order at the royal table. Meghan’s adherence to these rules is essential to maintaining royal decorum.
Foods the Queen Dislikes: Avoiding Certain Ingredients
Queen Elizabeth has specific food preferences that influence royal menus. She avoids garlic, onions, pasta, potatoes, rice, and out-of-season fruits and vegetables. Consequently, these ingredients are rarely served during royal meals.
Meghan must respect these preferences when dining with the Queen, which means foregoing some of her favorite dishes, such as pasta, during official occasions. Instead, simpler dishes like poached fish and seasonal vegetables are the norm.
Conclusion
Meghan Markle’s transition into royal life has brought many changes, including a set of dietary restrictions designed to uphold royal tradition, health, and etiquette. From avoiding garlic and shellfish to steering clear of exotic and spicy foods during official engagements, these rules help ensure that Meghan maintains the dignity and composure expected of a member of the British royal family.
If you found this insight into Meghan Markle’s royal dietary restrictions fascinating, be sure to explore more about royal traditions and lifestyle changes that come with joining the monarchy. Stay updated with our latest articles for an inside look at royal life!