Much has been made of the fact that King Charles famously doesn't eat lunch – it was even formally acknowledged by Clarence House on a list of 70 facts released in honour of the King's (formerly Prince Charles) 70th birthday.
Without explanation, number 20 on the list is: "The Prince does not eat lunch."
While this is perhaps the most famous foodie fact about the royal family, HELLO! recently learned another unique eating habit of the royal family, related to King Charles' sister, Princess Anne.
Princess Anne's mealtime quirk
During a six-course meal cooked by celebrated chef Michael Mercer, the culinary wizard told HELLO! that he had the honour of cooking for both Duchess Sophie of Edinburgh and Princess Anne – and the latter had an unusual approach to mealtimes.
Chef Mercer told us he'd prepared a full banquet for Princess Anne, who proceeded to simply sip on a cup of Earl Grey tea, before politely thanking the chef and making her exit. Luckily for Princess Anne's team, her security tucked into the meal, which we can only imagine was exquisite, having eaten a meal prepared by chef Michael.
© GettyHELLO!'s royal chef experience
It's not every day you're treated to a meal cooked by someone who has made food for the royal family!
We booked our experience with chef Michael via YHangry, which is like a dating app for private chefs and hungry food fans. You select your location and the app pairs you with a private chef who comes to your home (or holiday home, or location of choice) and whips up a Michelin-star-worthy meal, without you having to lift a finger.
We picked chef Michael for his royal connections (we can't resist a royal anecdote), but we were wowed by his menu, too. He sent over five options for each of the six courses, with options for all dietary requirements – not to make you too hungry, but our choices included seared scallop, with spiced beetroot crisp, alongside butternut squash ravioli and rib-eye steak, with chimichurri mac and cheese bonbons.
While the food was as exquisite as you'd imagine from a royally-approved chef, the experience was just as princess-worthy.
Chef Michael and his assistant brought everything they needed to whip up the meal, and even laid the table akin to a high-end restaurant with flowers, a tablecloth, candles and more.
All we had to do was sit back and relax with a glass of wine (he also offers wine pairings), while we had a meal better than any restaurant in the comfort of our home.
Princess Anne: 5 surprising facts
© Getty1. Hardest-working royal
In 2024, Princess Anne retained her crown as the hardest-working royal for a fourth year in a row, racking up an impressive 395 engagements in UK, alongside 79 abroad.
2. Criminal offence
Princess Anne became the first senior member of the royal family to be convicted of a criminal offence. In 2002, her three-year-old English Bull Terrier bit two children in Windsor, Great Park. She pleaded guilty to a charge under the Dangerous Dogs Act and was fined £500.
3. Lucky escape
Just four weeks after her wedding in 1974, Princess Anne survived a kidnapping attempt. While driving down The Mall, her chauffeur had to stop the car due to another vehicle blocking the road. Ian Ball got out of the car and shot the chauffeur. Despite Ian shooting a total of four men in the encounter, Anne escaped unharmed.
4. Breaking tradition
When Anne's children, Peter and Zara, were born, she declined the chance to grant them royal titles. She explained her decision to Vanity Fair: "I think it was probably easier for them, and I think most people would argue that there are downsides to having titles."
5. Signature hairdo
In a 2020 documentary, Princess Anne exclaimed her surprise that it took two hours to style the hair of Erin Doherty, who portrays her in The Crown. Anne said it only takes her 10 to 15 minutes to do her own hair.
Having eaten chef Michael's mouth-watering menu, we can't believe Princess Anne passed up the chance to sample his wares!
