Given King Charles’ recent cancer diagnosis and the Princess of Wales undergoing preventive chemotherapy, this year’s annual celebrations are expected to be more subdued compared to previous years.
While the Wales family won’t be present at the Easter Matins Service at St. George’s Chapel, they may opt to observe the occasion privately, spending time with their family within the confines of Windsor Castle.
Former royal chef Darren McGrady offered rare insights into the lavish Easter Sunday celebrations at the royal residence. As per tradition, the royals typically enjoy a roast lamb lunch on Easter Sunday.
This culinary choice is steeped in Christian and Protestant symbolism, as lamb has historically symbolized the ‘sacrificial lamb’ mentioned in the Old Testament, and is also consumed in remembrance of Jesus as the ‘Lamb of God’ who sacrificed himself on the cross.
“We’d go straight into the main course – a traditional roast lamb with seasonal vegetables,” Darren told OK!, adding that the late Queen preferred to have her meat well done, so would always get first choice of slices.
“They’d also have a compound salad served in a kidney dish attached to the plate – just some lettuce and cucumber with a little mint or some grated carrot and coriander,” added the royal chef. Why it’s served in a kidney dish, we’re not sure.
Following a satisfying roast lamb lunch complete with accompanying trimmings, the royals indulge in a second course featuring cheese and fruit, with a particular highlight being the Windsor Cheese crafted at the Windsor Dairy.
“The most incredible sweet white Windsor peaches grew on the estate too in my day. We’d have to lock them away in the kitchens because everyone wanted to taste them. The Queen always looked forward to those, but she’d have to wait until they were in season,” Darren added.
When it comes to Easter eggs, the late Queen was famously described as a “complete chocoholic” by her royal chefs, indicating that these sweet delights undoubtedly featured on the menu for both the monarch and her grandchildren during the Easter holiday.
In past years, Prince William and Princess Kate have delighted in organizing Easter egg hunts for their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—ensuring that chocolate indulgence remains a cherished tradition in the royal family’s Easter plans.
King Charles abstains from lunch, although we’re confident he would make an exception for such an enticing array of Easter delicacies.
The royal’s unconventional eating habit has been openly acknowledged by Clarence House in a compilation of 70 facts released for the King’s (formerly Prince Charles) 70th birthday. Listed without elaboration, number 20 states: “The Prince does not eat lunch.”
