Ex-Royal Chef Claims William and Kate Refuse to Eat ‘Square Sandwiches’ Over a Bizarre Superstition
It’s no secret that the royal family follows a lifestyle shaped by tradition and strict etiquette, but what's lesser known is the bizarre superstitions surrounding their eating habits. Over the years, former chefs have peeled back the curtain on peculiar eating habits among royals. In one such revelation, former royal chef Graham Newbould shared that Prince William, Kate Middleton, and their family steer clear of square-shaped sandwiches as part of a long-standing superstition.
As reported by Tyla, in the TV documentary, Secrets of the Royal Kitchen, he explained, "The royals never have square sandwiches because tradition has it that anyone presenting them with pointed-edged food is trying to overthrow the throne of England." Reportedly, the Prince of Wales throws quite a fuss if served any sandwiches with 90-degree edges. Since her husband is next in line to the throne, the superstition is said to extend to Middleton, who also shares her husband’s bizarre thinking.
The former royal chef revealed that the superstition goes back to the late Queen Elizabeth, who seriously discouraged her predecessors from eating square food. Newbould shared that during his two years working at Buckingham Palace, he was hence never allowed to prepare them. Instead, the Queen enjoyed ‘jam penny’ sandwiches as a part of her afternoon tea. Her ancestors, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, shared similar superstitions, with the latter reportedly believing that eating coffin-shaped food was unlucky. Unfortunately, avoiding them wasn’t enough, as he died at just 42 in 1861.
The late Queen also enforced a strict rule banning all members of the royal family from eating shellfish. British etiquette expert Grand Harrold told Woman & Home magazine, "It's a very sensible move to abandon having seafood when out and about on public duties. We don’t want a member of the Royal Family having a serious reaction to food poisoning. Especially if she is on an overseas tour." She was also allegedly said to dislike carbs and garlic, especially potatoes and pasta. In the royal household, foie gras has also been reportedly prohibited since 2008, but over animal welfare concerns.
Coming back to William and Middleton's eating habits, while the pair avoids square-shaped sandwiches, their breakfasts are nothing short of nutritious. As per HELLO!, during a 2022 trip to Swansea, the Prince of Wales shared that he enjoys cooking a full English breakfast. He said, "I do a good breakfast, sausage, bacon, and eggs." Meanwhile, ahead of their royal tour to India, Middleton admitted she's a fan of hot food, while her husband struggles with spices. Instead, he reportedly loves it when his wife cooks him roast chicken, and the couple are occasionally known to enjoy a good takeaway. William also likes his coffee, having at least 3 cups a day.