Renowned restaurateur Jeremy King has opened up about his experiences hosting British royalty, including Queen Camilla, at his acclaimed eateries over the decades. In a revealing interview, King shared insights into the personalities of iconic figures like Princess Diana and the current Queen, highlighting their preferences for normalcy away from the spotlight.
Queen Camilla's Unassuming Demeanor
Jeremy King, whose restaurants have attracted a star-studded clientele, described Queen Camilla as "entirely natural" during her visits. Speaking to Hello! Magazine, he explained that the Queen falls into the category of individuals who simply wish to enjoy time with their guests without drawing attention.
"There are some people who want to be seen and some who are entirely natural. All I can say is that the Queen is entirely natural," King stated. "She wants to be with their guests and not attract attention. These are the people I admire the most."
Princess Diana's Sanctuary at Le Caprice
King's bistro, Le Caprice, once dubbed the place to be in the 1980s, was a favourite haunt of Princess Diana. She frequented the restaurant regularly before her tragic death in 1997, drawn by its atmosphere of normality away from her high-profile life.
Recalling her visits, King noted that Diana would often walk through the door and quickly be noticed by other diners. "People would see her sit down, then they would look at the restaurant to see what the reaction was," he said. However, Diana did not expect special treatment despite her status.
"She didn't want that. I'd go and talk to the least-known person in the place," King added, suggesting that Diana viewed his restaurant as a sanctuary where she could relax without fuss.
Personal Bonds and Shared Activities
The relationship between King and Princess Diana extended beyond the restaurant walls. They organised joint outings for their staff, including a memorable go-karting event in Croydon. "She encouraged me to take part because she wanted to beat me, but I declined," King remembered with a smile.
While they weren't close friends, Diana would often talk and sometimes confide in King, indicating a level of trust and comfort during her visits.
Royal Patronage and Restaurant Legacy
King's establishments have also welcomed King Charles, who is a fan of Simpson's in the Strand. This restaurant temporarily closed during the Covid-19 pandemic but has since reopened, continuing its legacy of serving distinguished guests.
The restaurateur's insights shed light on how his venues have provided a retreat for royalty seeking respite from public scrutiny. From Princess Diana's regular dinners to Queen Camilla's low-key visits, these stories underscore the human side of iconic figures.
Anecdotes from Other Encounters
In a related account, BBC Radio 2 presenter Sara Cox shared an amusing blunder from a meeting with Queen Camilla. At a celebration for authors at Clarence House, Cox mistook the Queen's daughter, Laura Lopes, for an acquaintance.
"I said to Laura, 'Come over. I'll introduce you to the duchess,'" Cox recalled. "It slowly dawned on me who she was, because Camilla was like 'Hiiii' to her own daughter." Cox added that Camilla and author Jilly Cooper seemed like kindred spirits, highlighting the Queen's approachable nature.
Jeremy King's reflections offer a unique glimpse into the world of royal dining, emphasising authenticity and privacy in an era of constant media attention. His restaurants have not only served fine cuisine but also provided a haven for some of Britain's most celebrated individuals.
