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Royal Christmas Feast: King Charles and Queen Camilla’s Traditional Menu Revealed
As the festive season approaches, King Charles and Queen Camilla are gearing up for a traditional family lunch at Sandringham.
Former royal chef, Darren McGrady, who used to whip up delectable dishes for the monarchs, has spilled the beans on what the royal couple is likely to indulge in this Christmas.
McGrady, now a renowned food writer, disclosed that the royal duo prefers sticking to the classics when it comes to their holiday feast.
Despite their regal status, King Charles and Queen Camilla opt for a simple yet elegant spread, with traditional turkeys taking center stage on their dining table.
In a recent interview, McGrady revealed, “They're actually boring when it comes to festivities.
They didn't do hams or anything, just traditional turkeys.”
The former chef reminisced about preparing three turkeys for the queen and her family in the opulent royal dining room, ensuring that even the nursery and the extensive staff were treated to a sumptuous Christmas lunch.
Looking ahead to this year's celebrations, McGrady predicted that King Charles would continue the tradition by selecting a classic turkey as the main dish.
Alongside the succulent bird, diners can expect a mouthwatering array of sides, including creamy mashed potatoes, crispy roast potatoes, and flavorful chestnut or sage and onion stuffing.
Moreover, a medley of seasonal vegetables such as brussels sprouts, carrots, and roast parsnips is likely to make an appearance on the royal menu.
McGrady also hinted at the presence of two delectable sauces, possibly cranberry and bread-based, to complement the festive spread.
Before the grand Christmas lunch, the royal family will kick off their day with a hearty breakfast at 9 a.m. followed by a visit to St. Mary Magdalene Church at 11 a.m.
Upon their return to the estate, which has now passed to King Charles III after the demise of Queen Elizabeth II, pre-lunch drinks will be served promptly.
This year's Christmas dinner at Sandringham is expected to be a special affair, with Camilla's family joining the royal couple and around 40 other guests.
This departure from the usual protocol, where senior royals dine without non-royal companions, marks a significant shift in tradition.
While most royal couples are anticipated to adhere to the customary festivities, there remains uncertainty surrounding the attendance of Prince Harry and Meghan.
Speculation was rife that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, along with their young children, might spend Christmas in the UK this year, potentially reuniting with the royal family for the first time since 2018.