It seems the Royal Family shares more in common with us everyday folk than just the love for a great cuppa.

They, too, can’t resist the allure of comfort food at the end of the week, with Friday nights marked for a special indulgence—yes, you guessed it right, takeaway!

Now, you must be wondering, what are the royals getting for takeaway—perhaps a lobster bisque or a shrimp cocktail? Nay!

Fish and chips, a beloved British classic, combines perfectly crispy and golden fried fish with thick-cut chips, offering a satisfying and comforting meal enjoyed by people from all walks of life. Image by mqtliam from unsplash

Their staple preference is…fish and chips! And just when we thought our choices in comfort food couldn’t be more universal.

Grant Harrold, a royal butler from 2004 to 2011, enlightened the public about the Royal Family's favourite takeaway.

Through him, we learnt that while Prince William and Princess Kate occasionally lean towards curries or sushi, the Royal House adores tucking into fish and chips.

According to Grant, when the royals partake in the customary British meal, they approach it in a distinct manner.

Rather than opting for the typical battered cod, they often enjoy sole as their preferred fish option.

Grant said, ‘Having fish and chips says that we are British, and we’re proud of our roots as Brits. It doesn’t say anything about your status or anything because even royals love a trip to the [fish and] chip shop.’

Whether enjoyed at a local chippy or prepared with a personal touch, this iconic dish brings together the simple pleasures of crispy batter, tender fish, and hearty potato chips. Image from flickr

He went on to add, ‘In Scotland, having fish and chips on a Friday is very common. You would have fish and chips and a cup of tea. And I’ve noticed it’s very similar in England, where people will head to the chippy on a Friday.’

But the royal tale of fish and chips does not end here. The late Queen Elizabeth, known for her culinary preferences, had a completely unique take on her chips.

According to Ex-Royal Chef Darren McGrady, she preferred her potatoes impeccably cut to the exact same length, stacked in neat, Jenga-like blocks on the plate.

The fish was coated in Panko breadcrumbs and baked to a delightful crisp in the oven.

On rare occasions, she’d loosen the royal reins and indulge in a classic fish and chips takeaway.

Key Takeaways

• The Royal Family enjoys takeaway on Friday nights, much like many of us.
  
• Former royal butler Grant Harrold revealed that fish and chips are often the preferred choices, especially when the family is in Scotland.
  
• While the traditional British meal is usually consumed, Harrold highlighted that the royals often swap out the usual battered cod for sole.
  
• The late Queen Elizabeth's former chef, Darren McGrady, explained that the Queen preferred a more 'refined fish and chips' with the potatoes cut perfectly and the fish coated in Panko breadcrumbs and baked in the oven. Occasionally, she would indulge in takeaway fish and chips while at Balmoral.

The next time you savour your portion of fish and chips, perhaps take a moment to reflect on the unexpected kinship you share with the royals.

So members, what is your favourite takeaway food? Do you have a go-to comfort meal that you love to indulge in, just like the Royal Family's preference for fish and chips?

 

[Skeeta22]

Why would the Royals want takeaway? Every meal is prepared for them anyway!

 

[Suzanne rose]

I'm thinking to the Royals every night is like takeaway .
To me takeaway is a night off from cooking!

Growing up Friday nights were our night for fish n chips which were wrapped up in newspaper

 

[Petra]

As if, hahahaha ...... their chefs are preparing the fish and chips, who else will cut the chips precisely even and stack it a certain way? Yep, it might as well be fish and chips, but not a take-away, rather a fish and chips meal take in ! from the very large kitchen and chefs.

 

[Catherines]

I occasionally enjoy fish and chips (especially well cooked crispy chips) but detest battered fish which seems to hold more oil. Don’t know if that is the incorrect timing of cooking or incorrect temperature of the oil. Was in England once and brother-in-law took us out for fish and chips at Whitby. Not to be rude I didn’t refuse but didn’t like it due to the over oily fish.

 

[Judy HB]

Why would the Royals want takeaway? Every meal is prepared for them anyway!

Maybe the royals should cook themselves on Friday nights! For a change!

 

[Janet g]

Haha the minds in over drive imagining the local Uber eats standing at the palace gates with there insulated bag have a great Monday

 

[Gsr]

We enjoy some fish and chips from the local fish shop but not weekly as it is too expensive. I just don’t see the royals eating it out of the paper it comes wrapped in, I’m sure a staff member has to go and pick it up if they do order out and not get it from their chefs.

 

[Macarj]

Why would the Royals want takeaway? Every meal is prepared for them anyway!

I'm sure everybody likes to dumb down every now and then

 

[Suzanne rose]

I occasionally enjoy fish and chips (especially well cooked crispy chips) but detest battered fish which seems to hold more oil. Don’t know if that is the incorrect timing of cooking or incorrect temperature of the oil. Was in England once and brother-in-law took us out for fish and chips at Whitby. Not to be rude I didn’t refuse but didn’t like it due to the over oily fish.

I make a really good battered fish . I use beer in the batter. Also the secret is to cook it in really hot oil.
Still it's cooked in oil so I limit this way of cooking and most of the time I cook fish in foil in the oven

 

[relljube]

Is there such a thing as a fish and chip shop in Australia anymore? On the Gold Coast we have 2 fish mongers/shops but they are so crowded on a Friday night, you can't be bothered waiting for.. The quality is excellent but the wait of sometimes 40/45 minutes is to much. The other so called fish shops (about 3) are not worth going into. Poor excuse for a fishing town with its own fleet of trawlers.