Why can't the Royals eat shellfish?
Rachel Davis
Updated on February 19, 2026
The royals make concerted efforts to avoid eating shellfish while dining out or visiting foreign countries, since it can carry a greater-than-normal risk of causing infection and illness. They usually stay clear of prawns, oysters, crab, lobster, scallops, crayfish and others.
Why does the royal family avoid shellfish?
“When dining, the royal family has to be careful with shellfish due to shellfish poisoning due to their work schedules,” former royal butler and etiquette expert Grant Harrold told the Daily Express. “Therefore, you will not normally find this on the royal menu.”What foods can the royals not eat?
Some of them are sure to surprise you.
- The royals family stays away from garlic and onions. ...
- Royals don't eat shellfish when dining out or abroad. ...
- Rare meats are a no-go for the royals. ...
- Potatoes, pasta, and rice are only for special occassions. ...
- Tomato sauce is too messy for the Queen. ...
- Foie gras is banned from royal menus.
Why does the Queen not eat garlic?
Multiple media reports suggest that the real reason why such a rule is abided by, by the royal family is that the royal family has to meet a lot of people. They talk, chat, and meet people and so, to avoid the possibility of a bad breath, the royal family members are not allowed to eat garlic or onions.What does the Queen never eat?
There is one type of food which will never feature on a menu served to the Royal Family, and that is shellfish. The world of the royals can sometimes be a strange one with their internal customs and rules seemingly governing a large part of their lives.Foods The Queen Forbids The Royal Family From Eating
Why does the Queen hate pasta?
She's said to avoid foods that contain a high amount of starch, including pasta, rice and potatoes. And Kate Middleton has followed in her footsteps. Former royal chef Darren McGrady said: " The Queen does not care much for pasta and bread and likes to eat meals containing fish or meat and vegetables instead."Can the Queen eat spaghetti?
Next time you're tempted to marry a royal, remember these facts. In some respects, it makes sense that the royal family must follow intense rules. Like, take the reported no-selfies-allowed restriction.Does the Queen eat ice cream?
Eating an apple at a royal banquet isn't easy!Darren reveals how at Buckingham Palace, her Majesty eats a course of dessert fruit after her pudding, which is what we know to be sweet foods like tarts, mousses and ice cream.