As Easter approaches, the royal family is faced with a shift in their usual celebrations due to King Charles’ recent cancer diagnosis and the Princess of Wales undergoing preventive chemotherapy for cancer. This year, the annual festivities will take on a more low-key approach, with the Wales family opting out of attending the Easter Matins Service at St George’s Chapel. Instead, they may choose to commemorate the occasion in private, spending quality time together within the walls of Windsor Castle.
Former royal chef, Darren McGrady, provided a rare glimpse into the extravagant Easter feasts that take place at the royal residence. Traditionally, the royals are treated to a sumptuous roast lamb lunch on Easter Sunday. This choice of dish holds significance in Christian and Protestant beliefs, symbolizing the ‘sacrificial lamb’ from the Old Testament and paying tribute to Jesus as the ‘Lamb of God’ who sacrificed himself on the cross.
According to McGrady, the main course of roast lamb is complemented by seasonal vegetables, with the late Queen having a preference for well-done meat. Additionally, a compound salad is served in a unique kidney dish attached to the plate, comprising lettuce, cucumber, mint, grated carrot, and coriander. The reasoning behind the use of a kidney dish remains a mystery.
Following the hearty lamb lunch, the royal family indulges in a second course featuring cheese and fruit, including the renowned Windsor Cheese from the Windsor Dairy. McGrady reminisced about the exquisite white Windsor peaches that grew on the estate, a favorite treat for the Queen during the Easter season.
Easter eggs, a quintessential part of the holiday, are a must-have in the royal menu. Described as a “total chocoholic,” the late Queen was sure to include these sweet delights for herself and her grandchildren during Easter. Past years have seen Prince William and Princess Kate organizing delightful Easter egg hunts for their children – Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, ensuring that the royal youngsters partake in the joy of chocolate indulgence.
Despite King Charles’s unconventional lunch routine, which excludes consuming midday meals, the delectable Easter spread would likely entice him to make an exception. His unique eating habits have even been documented by Clarence House in a collection of 70 facts released in honor of the King’s 70th birthday.
As Easter Sunday dawns upon the royal family, the emphasis shifts from grand ceremonies to intimate moments spent together within the confines of Windsor Castle. With health concerns looming over the festivities, this year’s Easter celebrations are a poignant reminder of the importance of family, tradition, and the resilience to adapt to change.
The royal family’s altered Easter plans signify a departure from extravagance towards simplicity and togetherness. While the customary lavish feasts may be sidelined, the essence of Easter – unity, renewal, and hope – prevails in the royal household. This year, as the world grapples with uncertainty, the royal family’s intimate Easter gathering serves as a reminder that the true joy of the holiday lies in the love and support shared among family members.
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