A Royal Meal of Surprising Simplicity
Princess Diana's food choices were a subject of fascination during her lifetime, often revealing a more relatable and modern palate than that of her more traditional royal in-laws. While the public often envisions royal dining as a procession of elaborate courses, Diana's true favorite meal was a refreshingly simple, healthy, and plant-forward dish: vegetarian stuffed bell peppers. Her personal chef, Darren McGrady, who cooked for Diana at Kensington Palace for four years, confirmed she requested this meal multiple times a week. This preference for nutritious, clean eating was a departure from the traditional, rich sauces common in royal kitchens and solidified her image as a princess of the people.
The Anatomy of Diana's Favorite Stuffed Peppers
Unlike the meat-heavy stuffed pepper recipes found in many cookbooks, Princess Diana's version was entirely vegetarian, showcasing her aversion to red meat. The filling was a wholesome mix of fresh vegetables, grains, and cheese. Chef McGrady detailed the typical ingredients that went into this comforting dish:
- Diced zucchini and mushrooms
- Chopped onions and rice
- A topping of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese
- A side of smoky tomato and pepper sauce
The recipe was a testament to Diana's desire for clean eating following her recovery from bulimia. She reportedly told her chef, "You take care of all the fat, I'll take care of the carbs at the gym," leading to the elimination of heavy creams and rich, fatty elements from her diet.
Diana's Broader Dietary Preferences
While stuffed peppers were a weekly staple, they were part of a wider, health-conscious dietary pattern. Diana's approach to food was thoughtful and intentional, often featuring lean protein and an abundance of fresh produce. Her typical meals differed significantly from the more indulgent tastes of other royals, demonstrating her personal commitment to a healthy lifestyle.
Here is a comparison of Princess Diana's food preferences versus more traditional royal dietary norms:
| Aspect of Diet | Princess Diana | Traditional Royal Norms (e.g., Queen Elizabeth) |
|---|---|---|
| Red Meat | Excluded beef and pork; occasionally had lamb when entertaining. | Included beef and lamb regularly on the menu. |
| Sauces | Favored light, clear sauces and fresh ingredients. | Historically included richer, cream-based sauces. |
| Garlic | Enjoyed garlic in her dishes. | Forbidden to be served at royal banquets. |
| Breakfast | Daily overnight oats (Bircher muesli), often soaked in orange juice. | More traditional English breakfast options. |
| Snacks | Healthy options like fresh fruit or cold leftovers like lamb cutlets. | Specific habits like indulging in a bowl of lychees. |
| Dessert | A favorite was bread and butter pudding, enjoyed as an occasional treat. | Queen Elizabeth was known to have a preference for dark chocolate mousse. |
Other Favorite Dishes and Eating Habits
Beyond her beloved stuffed peppers, Diana had other notable food favorites and habits. She was an early adopter of the juicing trend, enjoying fresh vegetable juices. For lunch, she often chose grilled fish or salads, while she might occasionally indulge in a comfort food like chicken liver and onions. Her simple approach extended to her breakfasts, where her daily request was a Swiss-inspired Bircher muesli made from oats soaked in orange juice. When it came to dessert, she had a particular weakness for bread and butter pudding, though she enjoyed it in moderation. Her casual, unassuming nature meant she would often come into the kitchen to chat with her chef while he cooked, a rarity among the royals.
A Legacy of Approachable Elegance
Princess Diana's food preferences mirrored her overall public persona: effortlessly elegant, approachable, and health-conscious. Her favorite meal, the unassuming stuffed bell pepper, is a poignant symbol of her commitment to a grounded and healthy life away from the heavy extravagance of traditional royal formality. Even today, recreating her favorite dishes offers a small, personal connection to the People's Princess. For those interested in trying out her chef's stuffed pepper recipe, a version is available online from her former chef Darren McGrady. It offers a delightful taste of her simple, yet sophisticated, palate.
Conclusion
Princess Diana’s favorite meal—vegetarian stuffed bell peppers—is a lasting testament to her persona. The dish, requested frequently and filled with fresh ingredients, reflects her modern, health-conscious, and down-to-earth nature. Her former chef, Darren McGrady, has confirmed this, offering a rare glimpse into the private life of a beloved royal figure and demonstrating that even princesses sometimes prefer simple, comforting food over royal grandeur. Her dietary choices, from her preferred breakfast of overnight oats to her occasional indulgence in bread pudding, painted a portrait of a woman who sought a balance of elegance and relatability.
