Prince Charles breaks strict diet for Big Jubilee Lunch in London

The Prince of Wales made a rare exception to his meal plan to enjoy the Big Jubilee Lunch in honor of the Queen's 70-year-long reign

Prince Charles breaks strict diet for Big Jubilee Lunch
(Image credit: Getty)

Prince Charles has broken his strict diet in celebration of the Queen's longstanding reign, allowing himself to enjoy the treats at a Big Jubilee Lunch this afternoon in London. 


Prince Charles made a surprising sacrifice to his daily routine in London today, opting to enjoy a Big Jubilee Lunch in a rare exception to his strict diet. 

The Prince of Wales and Duchess Camilla arrived at the Oval cricket ground in South London on Sunday afternoon, where they were treated to an extravagant al-fresco meal in honor of the Queen on the final day of her Platinum Jubilee bank holiday weekend. 

The celebratory lunch, which is just one of 12 million parties taking place across Britain and the Commonwealth today, features a 20ft long tea table made of felt and a towering tribute cake to Her Majesty on the 70th anniversary of her reign.

Despite the tiring nature of last night's Platinum Party at the Palace, Charles and Camilla appeared in top spirits as they marveled at the lunch's patriotic decorations and mingled with guests on the Kensington sports pitch. 

Prince Charles

(Image credit: Getty)

It's also been reported that the future King gushed about the "togetherness" of the Jubilee festivities to his fellow diners before adding, "When it comes to Monday are we going to go back to all the bickering again? Let's hope we don't do that." 

Prince Charles also had some thoughts to share about the Big Jubilee lunch itself, which kicked off shortly before noon against a musical backdrop of bagpipes and drums. 

"I think his opening comment was - because it was only half-past 11 - 'It's a little early for lunch'," singer Elaine Paige told the Telegraph after speaking briefly to the 74-year-old. For those familiar with Prince Charles' daily routine, this passing remark shouldn't come as a surprise. 

Prince Charles

(Image credit: Getty)

It's been widely reported that the eldest of the Queen's children has never been a fan of lunch, preferring to power through until dinnertime rather than abandon his work for a midday bite. His unconventional diet has even been confirmed by Clarence House, who revealed that Charles regularly skips the meal in a website post celebrating his 70th birthday. Sources close to the Royal Family have also shared their experience of the prince's eating habits, with one even noting that they can have a knock-on effect on those around him. 

"He eats a late breakfast and works through," former royal correspondent Gordon Rayner revealed, after traveling the world with Charles. "I found this out the hard way, by going hungry when I started covering royal tours and watching enviously as his long-suffering staff produced snacks from pockets so they could eat on the go."

It looks unlikely that the prince will be able to stick to his lunch boycott today, however, in the face of expectations that he at least samples some of the food at the Jubilee gathering. Along with a bounty of delicious desserts, the royal heir will be served a variety of fancy appetizers, including duck eggs, truffled mushrooms, and kipper paté. 

Here's hoping he finds the appetite to enjoy the delicious treats.

Emma Dooney
Lifestyle News Writer

Hailing from the lovely city of Dublin, Emma mainly covers the Royal Family and the entertainment world, as well as the occasional health and wellness feature. Always up for a good conversation, she has a passion for interviewing everyone from A-list celebrities to the local GP - or just about anyone who will chat to her, really.

Emma holds an MA in International Journalism from City, University of London, and a BA in English Literature from Trinity College Dublin.