The Royal Family is steeped in history and tradition, with iconic details from the past woven into the very fabric of the monarchy – from titles and residences to stunning pieces of jewellery and attire. Among these historic precedents, there are also a few more relatable traditions, including the Royal family’s near religious devotion to afternoon tea.
Queen Camilla’s son, Tom Parker Bowles, has revealed the significance of this daily ritual, particularly for royals like King Charles. “It’s of primary importance,” Parker Bowles told PEOPLE.
“It’s not just a cup of tea – it’s an entire meal. There are sandwiches, two different kinds of cake, scones, biscuits, shrimp and eggs.”
This daily tradition is a far cry from the days of Royal excess, such as Henry VIII’s extravagant feasts or Edward VII’s favourite snack, which took a staggering eight hours to prepare! It also offers the royals a chance to pause amidst their hectic schedules and take a moment to recharge before their next engagement or duty, reports the Mirror.
An intriguing detail is just a sneak peek of what fans can expect from his new cookbook, Cooking and the Crown: Royal Recipes from Queen Victoria to King Charles III. The book features 100 easy-to-follow recipes loved by the late Queen Elizabeth as well as King Charles and Camilla.
“It needs to be used, battered and stained,” he shared with the media outlet. “I hope it gives readers a taste of British royal family life over the last 180 years.” He further added: “Food is a prism through which you can see many things-history, society and economics.”
Tom, a seasoned food writer with over two decades of experience, was thrust into the limelight at the May 2023 coronation of King Charles, and enjoys a close relationship with both his mother and stepfather. In fact, his own children have developed a heartwarming bond with the monarch, often affectionately referring to him as Uppa. “He is such a good, nice man,” Parker Bowles said.
“He has his own grandchildren, obviously. The children utterly adore him. From an early age, he’s read them stories, been there, and swung them around.”