With a palace full of classically-trained chefs, Queen Elizabeth could’ve had her pick of lavish dishes. But former royal chef Darren McGrady recently revealed that afternoon tea was the late monarch’s favorite meal—and the kitchens had a very specific, cross-castle ritual that ensured her tea time wasn’t ruined.
“The late Queen had afternoon tea every day, wherever she was in the world,” McGrady said, speaking to U.K. coffee retailer Coffee Friend. When she was at home, the royal chefs at Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle would even trade notes to avoid any royal repeats.
