The Queen’s former personal chef reveals royal family Christmas dinner secret
THE QUEEN’S former personal chef has revealed the strict regime staff go through on Christmas Day to get dinner ready for the royal family.
The Queen is hosting Christmas dinner with her family at her much-loved Sandringham estate again this year.
Meghan Markle, Prince Harry’s fiancee, will be joining the family this year - and hopefully she understands the strict rules in place for the day.
The Queen’s former personal chef Darren McGrady has spoken out about the routine staff follow on the day, and the impressive preparation that goes into the meal.
McGrady said: “The chefs will arrive at Sandringham a few days before Christmas Day to begin preparation.
Related articles
They will be in the kitchen from 6am to prepare the meal which is to be served at 1pm sharp and not a minute earlier
“On the day itself, they’ll be in the kitchen from 6am to prepare the meal which is to be served at 1pm sharp and not a minute earlier or later.
“After lunch, the family are due together to watch the Queen’s speech. There’s an afternoon tea at 4pm and further evening buffet at 8pm.”
The Royals have a strict 1pm start for Christmas dinner so they’re finished and ready for the Queen’s speech, which is aired on BBC1 at 3pm.
Research suggests Britons don’t follow the royal family in this tradition, however.
GETTY
Most families have that much to pack in on Christmas Day, they wait until 2.26pm to tuck into their turkey and pigs in blankets, according to new research from Asda.
An Asda spokesperson said: “There’s a lot of fun to be had on Christmas Day, so there really is no right or wrong order. From opening presents to enjoying a morning bacon butty – there’s lots to be done so it’s no surprise that Brits are taking their time and tucking into their turkey a little later in the day.”
The royal family appear to follow a strict ‘no ring no bring’ policy; a source told the Daily Star Online Prince Harry’s girl Meghan was not on the list to celebrate Christmas with the 91-year-old queen before the engagement news.
But will Sarah Ferguson be invited to the Christmas celebrations with the royals? The Duchess of York, also known as Fergie, is the ex-wife of the Queen’s son Prince Andrew.
GETTY
GETTY
She is also mother to the Queen’s grandchildren Beatrice, 29, and Eugenie, 27.
The royal source revealed that while Sarah Ferguson may be nearby the royal family at Christmas, she does not stay at Sandringham.
Sandringham is a country house in Norfolk and a private home of the Queen, who usually stays there for Christmas.
