By Katherine Tinsley
12:19pm PDT, Sep 29, 2025
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A former royal chef is dispelling rumors about
Queen Elizabeth II's banned foods list following claims that the royal family avoided shellfish while traveling.
Keep reading for the details…
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"The idea that the [late] Queen didn't eat seafood while travelling isn't true — we regularly cooked scallops and shrimp for her,"
Darren McGrady, who spent 15 years cooking for the royal family, told
Heart Bingo.
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It's been widely believed that the royal family prohibits certain foods, but Darren McGrady clarified what the rules are.
"There weren't banned foods, but [Queen Elizabeth] didn't like garlic or strong onions, viewing them as antisocial," McGrady said. "So we didn't use garlic in her meals. Prince Philip, however, loved garlic and would have it at his dinner parties."
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Despite Darren McGrady's claims,
King Charles III's former butler
Grant Harrold had a different viewpoint of his time with the Queen.
"When dining, the royal family has to be careful with shellfish due to shellfish poisoning, due to their work schedules," Harrold said, per
Daily Express.
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"It is a very sensible move to abandon having seafood when out and about on public duties," Grant Harrold continued. "We don't want a member of the royal family having a serious reaction to food poisoning. Especially if [they] are on an overseas tour. Therefore, you will not normally find this on the royal menu."
