King Charles' 'obsession' with one food is so great it led to new tradition at Balmoral
Former Royal chef Darren McGrady, who has cooked for Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Diana, Prince William, and Prince Harry, as well as five US Presidents, has revealed that King Charles had a fondness for a certain "simple" and "clean" European cuisine.
In fact, the King was so enamoured with one particular ingredient that he took up the hobby of hunting for them himself at Balmoral in Scotland, one of the late Queen's favourite Royal residences.
Upon returning from his foraging expeditions, the Prince would have enough of these tasty morsels to freeze and last the entire year.
Darren disclosed: "Charles loved Italian food, he loved all the risottos and things like that. He loved the simple, clean Mediterranean diet."
The chef added: "He loved wild mushrooms, he loved to go foraging for them at Balmoral. He would come back and we would freeze enough to last through the year."
(Image: UK Press via Getty Images)
Interestingly, it seems that Charles isn't the only Royal with this unique hobby. Queen Camilla is also said to partake, and they are reportedly "deeply competitive about their hauls".
This intriguing detail was shared by Camilla's son, Tom Parker Bowles, in his book, 'Cooking and The Crown'. He further explained that mushrooms are actually "somewhat of an obsession" for the pair.
The King has long found solace in his hobby of foraging, a pastime he notably turned to after the sad passing of his mother at 96 in 2022. He's been dedicated to this pursuit for many years.
Back in 2011, Charles was spotted with basket and stick in hand, heading out for a bit of foraging at Loch Muick, close to his Birkhall residence, while other members of the Royal Family engaged in grouse shooting.
(Image: Getty Images/Tetra images RF)
His quarry of choice is Chanterelles, known for their apricot scent. According to The Mail, Charles would become so engrossed in his foraging that he wouldn't even notice other hikers nearby.
Camilla, too, has been seen enjoying the hunt for fungi, once embarking on a solo expedition at Balmoral to gather mushrooms. Charles doesn't leave his passion behind when travelling; he's even been reported to enjoy mushroom hunting in Japan.
During a Royal tour accompanied by Camilla, he visited Afan woodland alongside Princess Takamado and Japanese author C. W. Nicol, where he was photographed appreciating a substantial local mushroom.
Italian chef Antonia Carluccios shared with The Mail in 1992: "The Prince is very knowledgeable about mushrooms. I don't wish to say any more than that I have been assisting the Prince's chef identify mushrooms for private use."
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