King Charles enjoys a pre-mixed martini every night before dinner, a habit revealed by his close friend Count Tibor Kalnoky in the Channel 4 documentary The Real Windsors: The Outspoken Heir.
Count Kalnoky, who features in the series, discussed how the King developed his passion for Transylvania in Romania and the beverage he would savour "every night" while visiting the Eastern European nation. He explained: "King Charles discovered this very unique corner of Europe and has been coming to this place every year."
A nightly ritual in Transylvania
When the then Prince Charles stayed at his guest house in Viscri, Transylvania, he had one nightly ritual — a pre-mixed martini before dinner. Count Kalnoky said the King always enjoyed the same beverage while staying at his residence in Transylvania, "every night before dinner".
"He likes a martini before dinner, that's for sure," he explained. It is understood that King Charles always ensures his culinary preferences are communicated well in advance whenever he travels, including bringing his own glass to enjoy the drink wherever he may be.
His Transylvanian retreat
King Charles first ventured to Transylvania years ago, where he met Count Kalnoky, who then found the ideal property for the King. "I showed him the place and he said it was everything he had been looking for. We spent some time renovating the whole thing," Count Kalnoky said.
The King purchased a modest country retreat in the picturesque destination, where he spent his days unwinding and soaking up the surroundings. It is believed he prefers a 50/50 "wet" martini, made with equal parts gin and dry vermouth.
A restored heritage site
Years ago, King Charles transformed his 18th-century house in Viscri, Transylvania, into a guest house, and it is now a restored UNESCO World Heritage site. Count Kalnoky explained: "Some people say it is like staying the night in a museum; other people say it is like travelling back in time."
Transylvania remains one of King Charles's favourite destinations, and he continues to visit the picturesque location frequently.
