Real reason behind controversial coronation dish decision – revealed

King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla divided opinion when they revealed quiche as the official dish of the coronation


King Charles looking concerned in a grey suit
24 April 2023

The nation was divided when Buckingham Palace declared a quiche as the official dish of King Charles III's coronation, fittingly named the 'Coronation Quiche'.

The recipe includes spinach, broad beans, cheese and tarragon, and royal fans took to social media in their droves to share their surprise. "Coronation quiche sounds really, really disgusting," shared one user on Twitter, while another penned: "Coronation quiche during an egg shortage in the UK was really brilliant timing." See the recipe below...

WATCH: Everything you need to know about the coronation quiche

While quiche is loved by many people, HELLO! did wonder what the thinking was behind making it the signature dish for the coronation, so when we caught up with royal chef Graham Tinsley MBE, of The Vines restaurant at Carden Park, we made sure to ask what the decision behind the dish was.

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King Charles' coronation quiche was chosen due to seasonal ingredients

"The relevance is that the ingredients are in season," Graham explained. "Broad beans are in season and spinach, too," he added.

YOUR GUIDE: King Charles's coronation weekend schedule: a day-by-day guide to the celebrations 

Also, practicality comes into the decision behind the coronation dish. "A quiche is easy for people to make for garden parties and street parties because it's easy to transport," Graham said of the public celebrations set to take place in honour of the king's coronation.

Ingredients being in season is a key element Graham considers when he is cooking for royalty, which he has done on countless occasions, preparing banquets for the late Queen Elizabeth II, as well as King Charles.

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King Charles' choice of coronation dish divided opinion

"When we're planning a royal menu, we've got to consider what the occasion is, what's in season, what would the royals like and whether it's a lunch or a dinner."

Of course, the royals' personal tastes are taken into consideration, with Graham explaining that Queen Consort Camilla's concern that there would be garlic and chilli in the coronation menu – two ingredients her son said she doesn't like – needn't be a worry.

RELATED: King Charles' 4 bizarre requests at state banquets revealed - royal chef exclusive 

"We never really included chilli or garlic," Graham shared. "I don't think Charles likes a lot of garlic and we wouldn't use chilli anyway in any of our dishes. So there's no problem about leaving those two out."

Graham's restaurant, The Vines, at Carden Park in Cheshire, has put together a coronation menu, find out more here.

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