Cooking Queen Elizabeth II: A Behind-the-Scenes Look
According to the countless stories and anecdotes about the Queen, it's clear that cooking has not always been a top priority for her. In fact, she has primarily focused on serving and assisting during meals, with a dash of barbeque prowess and occasional takeaways.
Early Years and a Teenage Dab Hand at BBQ
When Queen Elizabeth II was young and married to Prince Philip, she certainly had her hands in the kitchen. Reports indicate that she was quite capable when it came to grilling during their time stationed in Malta. This period was quite different, with the young couple likely spending a good deal of time cooking for each other and acquainting themselves with the responsibilities of the royal life.
Later Years: Serving and Sandwich Making
As the Queen's duties grew, her involvement in the kitchen diminished. It's said that when the royal family is picnicking at Balmoral, the Queen often takes on the role of 'Mother', making sandwiches while her husband grills. This indicates her primary involvement in the kitchen was more about serving and making light fare rather than complex cooking. However, if she had the time or inclination, she might delve into more substantial dishes.
A Taste for Takeaways
Despite her regal duties, the Queen has been known to occasionally order takeaways, especially during her stays at Balmoral. According to a report from The Sun, the monarch is a fan of fish and chips, and might even treat herself to a dinner from the local chippy. A footman is reportedly sent to pick up her meal from nearby town, 25 miles away, in 2022. This suggests that even the Queen enjoys a good British takeaway when she can.
Wood Farm and Cavalry Grills
During their stays at Sandringham, the royal couple would occasionally cook for themselves, particularly when they retreated to Wood Farm. Here, Prince Philip was known to display his barbeque skills, while the Queen would prepare simple dishes like scrambled eggs on toast for their supper. It's clear that barbequing was a passion of Prince Philip's, which he shared in the royal kitchen with his beloved wife.
While the Queen has predominantly focused on serving and light dishes, there have been a few instances where she has taken on a greater role in the kitchen. For example, when Prince Philip was barbecuing sausages at Sandringham, the Queen mentioned that she had already prepared the salad. This small but telling moment highlights the intertwining roles of the royal couple in the kitchen, with each contributing to their meals in their own way.
Overall, while Queen Elizabeth II may not have been a master of the kitchen, she has shown a willingness to engage in light cooking and sharing meals with her family, especially during more relaxed moments and in the early years of her marriage. Her brief dalliances with grilling and takeaway preferences paint a picture of a monarch who, like many of us, enjoys a good meal and the comfort it brings.