Queen Camilla has a particular preference when it comes to her lunchtime beverage, insisting on full-fat Coca-Cola because, as she reportedly says, 'there's no point otherwise.' The revelation comes from Daily Mail's Rebecca English, who has been covering the royal tour of the USA this week.
Royal Drink Preferences Revealed
While the Queen is known for her association with the wine trade and serves as president of the UK Vineyards Association, she occasionally opts for a fizzy drink. Speaking at a reception for the Worshipful Company of Vintners earlier this year, Camilla shared that her love of wine was instilled in childhood: 'Probably everybody knows my love of wine, it's in my blood and I was brought up by a father whose passion was wine, without a doubt.' She added, 'We drank wine as children, we grew up like the French,' and recalled learning 'how to spit properly.'
Camilla's late father, Major Bruce Shand, was a wine merchant. Her son, Tom Parker-Bowles, told You Magazine that her desert island meal would likely be accompanied by 'a really good glass of red claret.'
King Charles's Martini Ritual
In contrast, King Charles has a fondness for martinis, according to Palace Papers author Tina Brown. He savours a 50/50 blend of gin and dry vermouth at least once daily. The Telegraph's royal correspondent Gordon Rayner reveals that the King is so exacting about his favourite tipple being served 'just so' that he travels with his own spirits and glass to ensure perfect preparation.
His Majesty also appreciates a dram of fine Scotch, having bestowed a royal warrant on Laphroaig's 15-year-old single malt. He markets his own Highgrove Organic Single Malt Scotch for £36 per bottle, as well as an organic gin (£39.95) and a honey-infused rum (£44.95).
Historical Royal Drinking Habits
The late Queen Mother was famous for her Gin and Dubonnet cocktail, served with lemon and ice. She lived to 101, and her daughter, Queen Elizabeth II, inherited the preference for a 70% Dubonnet and 30% gin blend. Princess Margaret preferred Famous Grouse whisky over ice and was known to complain if the ice had melted.
Today's royals appear more restrained, but their individual tastes remain distinct. Camilla's simple pleasure of a full-fat Coke at lunch highlights a down-to-earth side to the monarchy.
