A Lifetime of Purposeful Eating
King Charles III has long been known for his disciplined and deliberate approach to food, driven by a combination of personal preference, royal protocol, and a deep-seated commitment to environmentalism. Far from a tale of simple picky eating, the monarch's dietary choices are reflective of his public principles, particularly his championing of organic farming and sustainability, which influence not only what he eats but what he actively avoids. His habits have been a topic of public fascination for years, with a few foods consistently absent from his plate.
The Meal He Famously Skipped (But Now Eats): Lunch
One of the most widely reported and peculiar of King Charles's eating habits was his lifelong refusal to eat lunch. For decades, he considered a midday meal a luxury that would interfere with his demanding schedule. His former press secretary, Julian Payne, famously advised others on the King's detail to have a big breakfast or bring snacks to get through the day. This routine continued until 2024, when a significant change occurred. After his cancer diagnosis, King Charles was encouraged by his wife, Queen Camilla, and his aides to incorporate a light meal to help maintain his strength during treatment. He now reportedly eats half an avocado as a midday snack, marking a departure from his long-standing rule.
Forbidden Flavors: Foods He Actively Avoids
Beyond skipping a meal, the monarch has a clear list of strong-flavored items that are barred from his diet and royal menus.
- Garlic: King Charles, much like his mother, has a distinct aversion to garlic. This is not only a personal preference but a practical protocol for the Royal Family to avoid lingering breath odor during frequent public engagements and diplomatic meetings.
- Chocolate: Despite his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, being a notorious 'chocoholic', King Charles has long detested the sweet treat. Former royal chef Graham Tinsley MBE confirmed this dislike, noting that it had to be considered when creating menus.
- Coffee: Another strong flavor that doesn't make it onto the King's menu is coffee, a beverage he reportedly dislikes.
- Certain Starches: While not a complete refusal, he generally limits his intake of heavy, starchy foods like pasta and potatoes unless for a special occasion or function.
A Cautious Approach: Foods Avoided for Safety
In addition to personal dislikes, royal dining is governed by strict protocols designed to prevent illness or adverse reactions during public duties. This leads to the refusal of several food groups.
Foods on the Royal 'No' List:
- Shellfish: This is a well-known royal rule due to the high risk of food poisoning and allergic reactions.
- Rare Meat: For similar food safety reasons, the Royal Family generally avoids meat that is not well-cooked.
- Tap Water: When traveling, particularly to foreign countries, it is protocol for the royals to avoid tap water to minimize the risk of bacterial contamination.
The Eco-Monarch's Conscious Exclusions
King Charles's diet is also heavily influenced by his environmental principles. As a decades-long champion of sustainable living and organic farming, he consciously chooses to avoid certain items to reduce his carbon footprint.
- Meat and Fish: He abstains from eating meat and fish two days a week.
- Dairy: On at least one of those days, he follows an entirely plant-based diet, avoiding dairy as well.
This commitment to a 'low carbon' diet reflects his broader mission, including launching the organic range Duchy Originals in 1990 and his work with the Soil Association.
Comparison of Royal Dietary Habits
The dietary practices of King Charles show some significant differences compared to his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II.
| Aspect | King Charles III | Queen Elizabeth II |
|---|---|---|
| Lunch | Famously skipped for decades, now eats half an avocado | Reportedly ate a light lunch, often fish with vegetables |
| Garlic | Refused due to dislike and royal protocol | Disliked and banned from her kitchens |
| Chocolate | Detests it and avoids it completely | A devoted 'chocoholic', especially fond of dark and biscuit cake |
| Sustainability | Strongly advocates for and actively practices organic, plant-based days | Appreciated locally sourced and fresh ingredients but without the same formalized restrictions |
Conclusion: A Reflective Plate
The foods King Charles refuses to eat are not arbitrary choices but a carefully curated reflection of his personality, principles, and public role. From a longtime aversion to a midday meal and pungent foods like garlic, to a conscious abstention from meat and dairy for environmental reasons, his dietary decisions paint a picture of a health-conscious and sustainable-minded monarch. These refusals, rooted in a blend of personal taste and dutiful protocol, offer a glimpse into the thoughtful and disciplined life of the head of the monarchy. The Takeout reveals why King Charles dropped his no-lunch rule.
The King's Food Waste Aversion
In addition to what he actively refuses to eat, the King has a strong aversion to food waste. According to reports, he and Queen Camilla reportedly insist on finishing leftover cake over several days rather than throwing it away. His commitment extends beyond his own table, as evidenced by his launch of The Coronation Food Project in 2023, aimed at tackling food poverty and waste across the UK. This initiative demonstrates how his personal principles are leveraged for broader charitable and environmental impact.
