What Does The Queen Eat On Christmas? Royal Family’s Holiday Meals Revealed

Christmas is a major celebration for the royal family, so it’s no surprise that the menu is impressive.

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip are expected to be joined by Prince Charles, Camilla Parker-Bowles, Prince William, Kate Middleton, Prince Harry, Meghan Markle and more on Dec. 25. They’ll celebrate at Sandringham in Norfolk, England, and according to The Telegraph, there will be plenty of food. Here’s what the royal family typically eats on Christmas Day:

Breakfast: If Meghan and Harry stay at Sandringham with the Queen (which is rumored to be the case after reportedly turning down an invite to stay with William and Kate), they won’t spend Christmas morning together. Ladies typically stay in their rooms as they prepare for the day, eating fruit, toast and coffee. The Queen’s tray is delivered at exactly 9 a.m. Men, however, get a full English breakfast at the table.

Lunch: After the 11 a.m. service at St. Mary Magdalene Church, Sandringham, the family will sit down together for a meal. A roast turkey will be the shining star of this meal. They royal family gets their bird from Scoles in Dersingham.

Former royal chef Darren McGrady revealed to Good Housekeeping that the meal also features a salad that includes shrimp or lobster as well as traditional side dishes like parsnips, carrots and Brussels sprouts.

Dessert: There is also the royal Christmas “pudding,” which isn’t what Americans consider pudding. This seems more like a heavy, alcoholic dessert similar to cake (it leaves fewer crumbs and is steamed instead of baked). Raisins, currants and candied peel are in this dish along with dark beer, dark rum and brandy. It’s doused in booze and lit on fire in front of everyone before being served. People has a recipe for the sweet treat.

After pudding, they watch the Queen’s Christmas speech on television.

Afternoon Tea: The Queen sits down with the royal family for tea and traditional Christmas fruitcake. After this is over, the royals finally exchange Christmas presents, which are often gag gifts.

Dinner: At 8:15 p.m., the royal family sits down for a three-course black-tie dinner with traditional English fare. “A stuffed boar’s head on platters, ox tongue and boiled and roasted hams are served,” the Telegraph reports. About 15-20 different foods are available at buffet tables. Bendick’s Bitter Mints, said to be a favorite of the Queen, are on a small table during the meal.

Drinks: If there’s that much booze in their dessert, it should be no surprise that the royal family enjoys a cocktail or two. Though there aren’t any mimosas before church, the Queen starts drinking right after the service. She’ll get a gin and Dubonnet before lunch while Philip enjoys a beer. Her guests will be offered a glass of champagne. On Christmas Eve, however, they indulge in martinis.

Though there is obviously plenty of food, don’t expect anyone to stuff their faces. The royals are reportedly expected to “graze” their food.