A former royal chef has revealed that Queen Elizabeth II has been eating one particular snack ever since she was first served it as a child in the royal nursery.
Darren McGrady worked for the royal family for almost two decades according to The Sun, and has since revealed some of the Queen’s favourite dishes and frequent requests, including one known as Jam Pennies.
McGrady described Jam Pennies as a simple sandwich of “bread and jam with a little butter – usually strawberry jam”, and said the Queen has been eating them every day for 91 years.
“We’d make the jam at Balmoral Castle with the gorgeous Scottish strawberries from the gardens,” he said.
Meanwhile, another former royal chef has said the Queen is partial to a tuna and mayonnaise sandwich, a popular combination among Brits, but with her own twist.
Owen Hodgson told the Telegraph that the monarch prefers hers well-buttered with cucumbers and pepper.
Aside from sandwiches, McGrady has shared more insights into Her Majesty’s dining habits, including her insistence on having afternoon tea no matter where in the world she happens to be.
The chef recalled one particular instance when he flew to Australia and settled aboard a royal yacht at 5am local time, which was five in the afternoon for the Queen – meaning his first task was to make scones.
“In terms of scones – one day plain and one day with raisins folded through,” he said of the Queen’s usual afternoon tea spread.
“Also, tiny pastries like raspberry tartlets and a cut cake, honey and cream sponge, fruit cake, banana bread, or her favourite chocolate biscuit cake.
“It would all be washed down with a delightful steaming hot cup of Earl Grey tea.”
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This article first appeared on OverSixty.