A former head of the royal family tells about the habits of Queen Elizabeth II during the end of year celebrations and in particular reveals the Christmas menu which never varies.
If the royal family of England is undoubtedly traditional all year round, it surpasses itself in terms of customs and traditions during end of year celebrations. Even if it means becoming a bit “boring” according to the words of a former head of the palace. Indeed, Darren McGrady, who now lives in Texas, told the news site MyLondon, that the Queen demands “the same meal every year”. Before specifying, not without a hint of disappointment, that: “the royal family does not even eat ham roasted in the oven for the occasion but only turkey”.
Every year for Christmas, the british royal family get together around the Queen at her residence at Sandringham House. Last year being obviously an exception due to the health crisis, Elizabeth II and Prince Philip had remained isolated in Windsor for fear of contracting the virus. Now business is resuming, and the Queen will celebrate Christmas for the first time without the Prince Consort who died on April 9.
PHOTOS – Elizabeth II: head held high for her “official” 1st birthday without Prince Philip
On the program: a festive menu that could not be more traditional but produced in very large quantities because the guest list is long for Christmas lunch at Sandringham. “We were preparing three turkeys for the Queen and her family served in the official dining room, another for the children who have lunch in the games room and of course other turkeys are prepared in parallel for the hundreds of staff present. at Christmas lunch ”remembers Darren McGrady adding:“ The turkey is served with house mash and roasted potatoes, a side made from onions and sage or chestnuts and bread sauces and cranberries ”. An exemplary employer, the Queen offers a gift to each member of her staff.
Members of the royal family weigh themselves before and after Christmas dinner
On Christmas morning, the Queen and her offspring attend a mass in St Mary Magdelene, in Sandringham, a pretty country church built in the 16th century and frequented by Queen Victoria. It is only at tea time that the family opens their presents.
Among the most eccentric traditions of Windsor, one of them stands out in particular: that of weighing. Indeed, since the 1900s, all members of the royal family have weighed themselves before and after the Christmas dinner to ensure that they are well fed. A custom as improbable as it is hilarious.
Photo credits: AGENCE / BESTIMAGE