Behind the grandeur of palace banquets and state dinners, Queen Elizabeth II maintained a surprisingly simple culinary preference that became her go-to snack for years. Recently uncovered documents from the Royal Archives have revealed Her Majesty's particular fondness for a classic British sandwich that regularly appeared on her private menu.
The Royal Sandwich of Choice
While one might expect extravagant delicacies to grace the Queen's table, her preferred sandwich was the humble coronation chicken - a dish created specifically for her own coronation in 1953. This creamy, lightly spiced chicken sandwich filling became such a favourite that royal chefs were instructed to always have it available.
The revelation comes from previously unseen papers that detail the Queen's personal food preferences, showing that despite having access to any cuisine in the world, she often opted for this symbolic British classic.
A Taste of History
Coronation chicken holds special significance in royal history. The dish was originally created by Constance Spry and Rosemary Hume of London's Cordon Bleu Cookery School specifically for the foreign guests attending the Queen's coronation banquet.
What began as a solution for feeding thousands of international dignitaries evolved into a lasting personal preference for the monarch herself. The combination of cold cooked chicken, curry powder, and creamy sauce wrapped in simple bread became her reliable choice for private lunches and informal occasions.
The Simplicity Behind the Crown
This discovery offers a rare glimpse into the Queen's personal tastes beneath the ceremonial surface. Royal biographers have long noted Her Majesty's preference for straightforward, familiar foods despite the elaborate menus often associated with royal events.
The coronation chicken sandwich represents more than just a food preference - it's a connection to one of the most significant days of her life, maintained through decades of service. The fact that she continued to enjoy this symbolic dish throughout her reign speaks volumes about her character and attachment to tradition.
Royal chefs confirmed that the sandwich remained in regular rotation in palace kitchens until her passing, a testament to its enduring appeal to the late monarch.
