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Princess Kate, Duchess Sophie, Queen Camilla & Co's favourite lunches

What do the royal set eat for lunch? From Zara Tindall's egg on toast to Meghan Markle's French fries

Sophie Wessex, Princess Kate, Queen Camilla eating
Sophie Hamilton
Parenting Editor
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It's hard to picture the likes of the Princess of Wales, the Duchess of Edinburgh or Queen Camilla popping into a supermarket at lunch to grab a speedy meal deal for under £5. But what exactly do the royal set like to dine on for lunch?

We know that etiquette is everything when it comes to royal dining. From breaking a scone in the correct way, to using the right cutlery and never stirring your tea, it may come as a surprise to some that these royal ladies have a rather relaxed approach to their midday meal. 

WATCH: HELLO!'s Lifestyle Writer Georgia takes an etiquette lesson with King Charles' former royal butler, Grant Harrold

Everything from sushi to salads, French fries to vegan rice bowls have been known to be on the lunch menu for Meghan Markle, Princess Beatrice, the late Queen Elizabeth II and more. 

Keep scrolling to discover exactly what the royal ladies of the British royal family eat for lunch...

What Kate Middleton has for lunch

kate middleton lunch

The wife of Prince William is said to prefer meat-free dishes for lunch.

During her royal tour of India with William, Chef Raghu Deora at the Taj Mahal Palace revealed that he served up a lunch of vegetable kebabs and lentil curry for the pair. "It is all vegetarian because I was told that was what they preferred," he explained.

Kate is also a fan of sushi – a delicious lunchtime option. Following a visit to Japan House London. Talking to Japanese chef Akira, William said. "Thank you very much. My wife and I love sushi. We might have to come down here for lunch when no one else is in."

Other favourites of Kate's are said to be watermelon salads, tabbouleh, ceviche and gazpacho, according to a 2014 Daily Mail article.

What the Queen had for lunch

queen favourite lunch

The late monarch was believed to have kept things simple for lunch, often enjoying a plate of fish and vegetables.

Former royal chef, Darren McGrady, told House and Garden that a typical lunch for the late Queen would be Dover sole on a bed of wilted spinach. The royal is said to have avoided starchy food such as pasta and potatoes when eating alone.

We also know that the monarch tucked into a sandwich occasionally, and her favourite was said to be tuna mayo filling with cucumber. However, she reportedly disliked eating the crusts. Former royal chef, Owen Hodgson, recalled to The Telegraph: "A chef told me off for serving the sandwiches with crusts."

READ: The secret items hidden inside the Queen's wedding cake & more fascinating royal cake facts

What the Duchess of Edinburgh has for lunch

sophie wessex lunch

Sounds like Sophie is partial to a barbecued lunch like the rest of us! During a rare and personal interview, the Countess revealed her children are particularly fond of their dad's cooking.

Speaking about her husband Prince Edward, she said: "He is very good at barbecues, and the children love those. He takes our son fishing, does a lot of riding with our daughter, he is very engaged as a father."

What Meghan Markle has for lunch

meghan markle lunch

Meghan is a healthy eater who allows herself a treat from time to time.

Meghan has said she is normally hungrier at lunchtimes, so typically enjoys a heavier meal then, followed by a lighter dinner. Some of her other favourite lunches include sashimi or salads.

Former Suits star Meghan also once revealed her penchant for fries, saying: "I'm always hoping I'm having lunch with people, so we can share fries. It's its own food group for me."

MORE: Meghan Markle's most unusual eating habits revealed

What Princess Beatrice has for lunch

princess beatrice lunch

Nutritionist Gabriela Peacock helped Beatrice prepare for her wedding and has given an insight into what meals she recommends to her clients, such as "lean protein sources, vegetables and whole grains" for lunch.

A well-rounded example would be veggies with chicken, tofu or fish, and quinoa, brown rice or sweet potato. She added that it's a good idea to make your own dressing such as apple cider vinegar and fresh herbs, since shop-bought products are often high in salt and preservatives.

What Queen Camilla has for lunch

duchess camilla lunch

Eating organically is hugely important to both Charles and Camilla, which is evident in the wide range of produce grown at their country home of Highgrove.

On a past visit to Singapore, Camilla spoke of how crucial it is to eat healthily and revealed she aims to eat as many good fats as she can – such as avocados, fish and almonds, according to Woman and Home magazine.

Camilla's lunches are therefore likely to be full of fresh, organic salads and fish.

What Zara Tindall has for lunch

Zara Tindall in a blue coat dress and pearl earrings© Getty

 Zara is so down to earth when it comes to her meals. In an interview with the Sunday Times Magazine, she revealed: "Lunch is quick and simple, like soup and a sandwich or eggs and toast. I don't diet but I try to eat well and not to eat too many carbohydrates or sugary things."

Zara and husband Mike Tindall are also fans of picnics. Pictured at the Maserati Royal Charity Polo Trophy Match in Tetbury in June 2017, Mike was holding the picnic basket as they walked along – we wonder what was inside!

READ: Mike Tindall's surprising daily diet is so different from wife Zara's

What Princess Eugenie has for lunch

Princess Eugenie at Platinum Jubilee celebrations© Getty

Sarah Ferguson's youngest daughter loves healthy options for her lunchtime meal.

While working at the art gallery The Hauser & Wirth in Soho, she would take a nearby trip to the Detox Kitchen, which is hugely popular at lunchtime. "They do the best food, all healthy. There's often a queue outside," she said.

It offers everything from rainbow poke bowls to lemongrass and turmeric curry. We imagine Eugenie has been using their meal delivery service during the coronavirus pandemic!

What Sarah Ferguson has for lunch

sarah ferguson lunch

We had a glimpse into Sarah's lunchtimes recently when her assistant Antonia Marshall shared a photo on her Instagram account.

In the snap, the former wife of Prince Andrew could be seen smiling while preparing some cucumber and egg mayonnaise sandwiches.

What's more, the picture gave a glimpse inside Sarah's modern kitchen at her home in Royal Lodge, Windsor, which featured wooden panel units and house plants for decoration.

What Princess Anne has for lunch

princess anne lunch

Princess Anne previously revealed to Country Life magazine that her favourite meal is devilled pheasant. The unusual recipe involves poaching whole pheasants, shredding the meat and keeping it warm in the poaching juices. Add freshly whipped cream (left in the fridge for an hour), and a liberal amount of Green Label mango chutney – et voila!

Anne is also known to be a lover of fruit, but is very particular about how it's served. Darren McGrady has explained in the past: "Princess Anne almost always preferred the bananas almost black - overripe - because they digested easier."

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