Queen’s ex-chef spills on the Monarch’s favourite afternoon tea sweets

Queen Elizabeth’s ex-chef has spilt the details on the Monarch’s favourite afternoon sweets, revealing afternoon tea is indeed Her Majesty’s most valued meal of the day.

Darren McGrady worked as a chef in the Buckingham Palace kitchens for a total of 15 years, becoming well acquainted with the Queen’s sweet tooth during his years of service.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, McGrady revealed the Queen very much looked forward to her daily afternoon tea, a sweet filled event “full of sandwiches and pastries”.

“When I started as a young chef at Buckingham Palace, it was fascinating to see how important afternoon tea was to the Queen,” McGrady said.

McGrady went on to list Her Majesty’s desired sweet and savoury requests, including her favourite sandwiches fillings.

“Two types of sandwiches, often English York ham with English mustard and cucumber, with the skin removed and sent to the royal cellars for Pimm’s garnish,” he said.

As for sweets, the Monarch enjoys a wide selection.

“In terms of scones – one day plain and one day with raisins folded”, McGrady revealed.

“Also, tiny pastries like raspberry tartlets and a ‘cut cake’ honey and cream sponge, fruit cake, banana bread, or her favourite chocolate biscuit cake.”

In true English style, McGrady revealed that Her Majesty’s yummy sweet and savoury goods would be “washed down with a delightful steaming hot cup of Earl Grey tea”.

Most recently, the Queen shared an afternoon tea rendezvous with none other than Paddington Bear. The two sat down to enjoy treats and tea before the clumsy bear caused pandemonium – drinking all the tea before offering any to the Monarch and squashing the treats.

The adorable skit saw The Queen and Paddington bear bond over their shared stash of the bear’s signature marmalade sandwiches, “for emergencies”.

Queen Elizabeth reveals to Paddington Bear what she keeps in her handbag, and I love this. pic.twitter.com/q6ewbWLESF

— Eric Alper ???? (@ThatEricAlper) June 12, 2022

Buckingham Palace released a statement saying The Queen couldn’t resist inviting Paddington to tea, saying the event was “too fun to miss”.

“Her Majesty is well known for her sense of humour, so it should be no surprise that she decided to take part in tonight’s sketch,” the Palace said.

In 2020, the Royal Family released the recipe for The Queen’s famous fruit scones which are served annually at the Monarch’s special garden parties at Buckingham Palace.

The delicious scones consist of just seven simple ingredients, including plain flour, baking powder, butter, sugar, eggs, buttermilk and sultanas. The method is revealed here.