Former Royal Chef Shares the “Most Adventurous” Eater in the Family and the One Drink The King and Queen Consider a “No-Go”
Our take
The quiet revelations from former Royal Chef Visen Anenden regarding the King and Queen’s culinary preferences offer a fascinating, albeit subtle, window into the inner workings of the monarchy. While anecdotes about royal eccentricities are hardly new – we’ve seen similar glimpses into their habits before, such as This Royal "Commands Respect Naturally" But Can Also "Demand It," Says Body Language Expert – Anenden’s observations about one royal’s adventurous palate and the couple’s firm stance on certain beverages are particularly telling. The detail that one member of the family is “more open-minded” when it comes to new cuisine suggests a nuanced dynamic within the family, a subtle power play perhaps, or simply differing personalities navigating the rigid traditions of royal life. It also reinforces the understanding that, despite the public image of unwavering formality, individual preferences and personalities still shape the royal experience, something further illustrated by the recent news of Sarah Ferguson Misses Her Ex-Boyfriend's Funeral as She Remains in Hiding—But Princess Beatrice Attends Alone, highlighting the complexities of familial relationships even within the institution.
Beyond the immediate amusement of learning that the King and Queen deem certain drinks a “no-go,” Anenden’s insights speak to a broader theme: the ongoing effort to modernize the monarchy while preserving its historical significance. The willingness of one royal to embrace new culinary experiences hints at a desire for evolution, a willingness to engage with contemporary culture. Conversely, the steadfast adherence to specific dietary restrictions, even regarding beverages, underscores the importance of tradition and the careful curation of the royal image. This balance between embracing change and upholding heritage is a constant tension within the institution, and these seemingly small details offer valuable clues as to how that delicate equilibrium is being maintained. The seemingly mundane subject of food, therefore, becomes a surprisingly potent symbol of the monarchy’s ongoing negotiation with the modern world.
The focus on personal preferences, rather than grand pronouncements, is also significant. Anenden's account avoids sensationalism, instead offering quiet observations about the daily rhythms of royal life. This understated approach aligns with the broader trend of a more humanized portrayal of the royals, a shift away from the stiff formality of previous generations. This mirrors a broader societal movement towards authenticity and relatability, even within traditionally elite spheres. The revelations, in their simplicity, offer a glimpse behind the curtain, fostering a sense of intimacy and connection with the royal family, a connection that is increasingly vital for maintaining public support and relevance. It’s a far cry from the days of carefully controlled press releases and heavily filtered public appearances; the modern monarchy seems to be slowly, deliberately, allowing glimpses of the individuals within.
Looking ahead, it will be interesting to observe how these subtle shifts in perception influence the monarchy's overall strategy for engaging with the public. Will we see further revelations about the personal habits and preferences of the royal family? Or will this be a fleeting moment of transparency, quickly followed by a return to a more guarded approach? The increasing scrutiny of the royal family and the public's appetite for genuine connection suggest that the trend towards greater openness is likely to continue, albeit cautiously. The question remains: how far will the monarchy be willing to go to cultivate a sense of authenticity while preserving the dignity and mystique that are essential to its enduring legacy?
As the former head chef to King Charles and Queen Camilla at Highgrove House, Visen Anenden knows the ins and outs of the Royal Family’s sometimes peculiar eating habits. Anenden, who worked for The King for just under a decade, says that while Charles is heavily into seasonal and organic foods, his wife is more willing to try new dishes than the rest of the family.
When asked who the most adventurous eater was out of the Royal Family, the former palace employee shares that “Charles is adventurous in terms of British, Italian and Spanish—all very European foods. But when it came to trying different things, I would say Camilla was more open minded.”
Speaking on behalf of Heart Bingo Online, Anenden says that Queen Camilla “was quite open when it came to food,” especially when traveling abroad, but that The King also tried regional specialties. “On tour, they would be happy to try the local dishes that were cooked by a local chef, who was guided by us,” Anenden says.
Although he says that King Charles is “not at all” a fan of spicy food, and neither is Camilla, they both like kedgeree, a rice dish featuring fish, eggs and curry powder. “I used to make it how my gran used to make it for me,” Anenden shares.
Although King Charles doesn’t like spicy food, Anenden says the monarch was always courteous of local customs.
“I always remember when we went to India, and one of the chefs in the hotels wanted to cook for him,” he shares. “Charles was really open-minded about it and let him cook for them. He had Indian food there, tasted it, and thanked the chef. He was willing to accommodate, which is quite amazing.”
However, one thing both Charles and Camilla avoid is carbonated beverages. When asked if they ever indulge in fizzy drinks, Anenden says, “No, never! It was a no-go. Only the staff had fizzy drinks, but for them, no way.”
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