The question of what was Prince's last meal is a poignant one, uncovering a detail that speaks volumes about his health struggles in the final months of his life. For years, Prince maintained a meticulous, vegetarian diet, but the last meal prepared for him was not eaten, offering a heartbreaking sign of his final days.
The Meal Prepared by Chef Ray Roberts
On the evening of April 20, 2016, Prince's personal chef, Ray Roberts, prepared his final meal. Roberts had worked for Prince for nearly three years, catering to his strict dietary needs. The meal consisted of:
- Roasted red pepper bisque
- Kale and spring vegetable salad
- A smoothie
The Uneaten Supper
Prince never consumed this meal. When Roberts returned to Paisley Park a few days later, he found the meal still in the refrigerator, untouched. This served as a tragic symbol of the singer's declining health.
Prince's Changing Diet in His Final Months
In the two months leading up to his death, Roberts observed significant changes in Prince's eating habits. He was visibly struggling with a persistent sore throat and upset stomach. His food requests shifted from his usual dishes to lighter, more soothing options like juices and smoothies. He began eating less and drinking less water, and appeared to be losing weight.
A Shift Away from Favorites
Before his health began to wane, Prince enjoyed heartier vegetarian dishes like roasted beets and a minestrone soup with a harissa chermoula sauce. The move away from these favorites was a clear indicator of his health issues.
A Glimpse into Prince's Last Days
Prince's deteriorating health culminated on April 15, 2016, when his private jet made an emergency landing after he became unresponsive due to an opioid overdose. He was revived with Narcan. Efforts to arrange addiction treatment in the following days were unsuccessful. His death was later ruled an accidental overdose of fentanyl.
Comparison of Prince's Usual vs. Final Diet
| Aspect | Typical Diet (before final months) | Final Months' Diet (leading to death) |
|---|---|---|
| Meal Type | Hearty vegetarian dishes like soups and roasted vegetables. | Lighter, easier-to-digest items like smoothies, juices, and bisques. |
| Hydration | Normal water intake. | Decreased water consumption. |
| Appetite | Healthy and consistent. | Reduced appetite; eating less. |
| Energy Level | Energetic and active. | Often felt unwell, sleeping more. |
| Specific Dishes | Minestrone soup, roasted beets, pesto broccolini. | Roasted red pepper bisque, green salads, smoothies. |
Conclusion
Prince's final meal, a roasted red pepper bisque with a kale and spring vegetable salad, was not consumed. This uneaten meal and the significant shift in his diet towards lighter foods reflected his worsening health. This health decline was linked to the opioid addiction that tragically led to his accidental overdose just hours after the meal was prepared.
The Guardian offers insight into Prince's final days, including details from his personal chef
