Queen Elizabeth’s Former Royal Chef Reveals Who Cooked, Who Helped and Who Craved Dessert at Balmoral Barbecues

In a series of vivid recollections, former royal chef Darren McGrady has lifted the curtain on the culinary traditions of the British royal family during their summer retreats at Balmoral Castle. McGrady, who devoted 15 years of his career to serving the late Queen Elizabeth II and her family, shared his experiences of the royals’ hands-on approach to cooking during their beloved annual holidays.

Balmoral, located in the scenic Highlands of Scotland, has been a royal retreat since the days of Queen Victoria, who, along with Prince Albert, acquired the estate along with its sprawling 7,000 acres in 1845. The estate remains a favourite among the modern royals, where they engage in outdoor pursuits such as hunting and fishing, along with the more social activity of grilling their own meals.

Prince Philip, the late Duke of Edinburgh, stood out as the most enthusiastic cook among the royals, according to McGrady. He explained that Philip had a keen interest in food and often took the initiative when it came to meal preparation. “He loved to cook and cared about foods and recipes,” McGrady revealed. The Duke would regularly inquire about the best ways to marinate dishes and the types of vegetables available in the castle’s garden.

It seems the royal penchant for quality produce was a shared trait with Prince Charles, who also took pleasure in wandering through the Balmoral gardens in search of fresh ingredients. McGrady recounted how Philip often held the reins when it came to preparing the main course for the family dinner, enjoying the fruits of the estate alongside his fondness for the natural offerings of the surrounding land.

The royals were not shy about rolling up their sleeves in the kitchen. Princess Anne, known for her diligent work ethic, frequently made her presence felt in the kitchen. “You’d often get Princess Anne come down to the kitchen and say: ‘I’m in charge of the first course tonight, what can I take?’” McGrady shared. Her enthusiasm helped shape a familial atmosphere of shared responsibility in meal preparation.

Prince Edward, the youngest son of the Queen, was particularly fond of dessert. McGrady recalled that Edward would request the kitchen staff to whip up pancakes, often asking for additions like home-grown raspberries or strawberries topped with ice cream. This sweet tooth became a light-hearted part of the family gatherings, emphasising the informal and joyful nature of their meals.

While the majority of the family embraced the outdoor lifestyle and activities during their time at Balmoral, Princess Diana’s experience was markedly different. McGrady noted that the atmosphere at Balmoral did not suit her personality. Despite marrying into the family and being part of memorable occasions there — including the honeymoon she shared with Prince Charles — she was not fond of the horseback riding that her in-laws often enjoyed. As McGrady recounted, her interactions with the outdoor life were limited.

On the other hand, Diana did acknowledge the beauty of the estate in personal correspondence, expressing her fondness for spending time outside in the Scottish landscape. “I adore being outside all day & hate London!” she wrote to a friend, reflecting on her experiences at Balmoral, illustrating her internal struggle between adapting to family life and her own preferences.

While the history of Balmoral extends back to the Victorian era, the estate is also significant for the next generation of royals. Prince William, 44, shared his cherished memories of the area, revealing that he and his wife, Kate Middleton, would often retreat to the estate during their early days of dating, away from the prying eyes of the media. He discovered early on how important the Scottish Highlands were to his family, recalling it as a joyful part of his upbringing.

Now, as a family man himself, Prince William enjoys taking his children to Balmoral, helping them create their own memories within the serene surroundings. Despite the hectic nature of royal duties, the estate serves as a vital retreat for the family, offering solace and a “fun and carefree” atmosphere, especially during challenging times, such as when Kate was undergoing treatment for cancer.

As the next generation continues to foster tradition and create new memories at Balmoral, the combination of outdoor activities, shared cooking, and family bonding remains a constant thread that highlights the enduring appeal of this royal sanctuary. From pancake breakfasts to grand feasts, the royal family’s summer getaways symbolise much more than mere leisure; they represent cherished moments in time within the stunning Scottish landscape.