The Royal Family is steeped in history and tradition, with iconic details from the past woven into the very fabric of the monarchy. This includes everything from titles and residences to stunning pieces of jewellery and clothing.
However, among these historic precedents, there are also some more relatable traditions – including, it seems, the Royal family’s near religious devotion to afternoon tea.
Queen Camilla’s son, Tom Parker Bowles, has revealed what this daily ritual involves and why it holds such “primary importance” for royals like King Charles himself.
“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 extravagance, such as Henry VIII’s lavish banquets or Edward VII’s favourite snack, which took a staggering eight hours to prepare!
It also offers the perfect opportunity for the royals to take a break from their busy schedules and recharge before their next engagement or duty, reports The Mirror.
The 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 during the May 2023 coronation of King Charles.
He enjoys a close relationship with both his mother and stepfather. His own children have even formed a heartwarming bond with the monarch, affectionately referring to him as Uppa.
“He is such a good, nice man,” Parker Bowles commented. “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.”