Even for the youngest members of the Royal Family, certain timeless traditions must be upheld, including a specific rule governing the dinner table. Prince William and Princess Kate are ensuring their three children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—adhere to a protocol familiar from their own childhoods.
The 'Polite Conversation' Rule
According to Darren McGrady, a veteran chef who served the Royal Family for 15 years, the young princes and princess are not permitted to dine with the adults until they have mastered a crucial social skill. They must first learn the art of polite conversation before joining their parents at the main table.
McGrady, who spoke to the Express, commended the Prince and Princess of Wales for maintaining this long-standing Buckingham Palace tradition. This rule is so strictly enforced that it applies even on special occasions like Christmas, ensuring consistency in the children's upbringing.
Educating Royal Palates
The former royal chef also revealed that the children's nannies play a pivotal role in their culinary education. In an interview with Today, he explained that the royal nursery was tasked with "educating their palates" as well as their minds.
"Nanny always had control of the menu and made sure they ate balanced meals that included not only lots of healthy vegetables but introduced them to new grown-up dishes too," McGrady commented. He noted that getting children to eat their vegetables was a challenge, just as it was for Prince William and Prince Harry in their youth.
Clever Tricks and Occasional Treats
To overcome this common parental hurdle, McGrady would employ clever tactics. He confessed to hiding vegetables within the children's favourite foods, such as cakes and sweets, to ensure they received a balanced diet.
However, life as a royal doesn't mean a complete absence of fun. McGrady confirmed that, much like Princess Diana before them, William and Kate do allow for the occasional treat. The family has been known to enjoy a trip to McDonald's for burgers and fries, blending modern parenting with historic tradition.
