The late Queen Elizabeth II and her husband, Prince Philip, were known for their long-lasting, fruitful marriage, which lasted 73 years until his death in April 2021. However, as with every relationship, they had a couple of bumps on the road.
Though they were seen on very few occasions arguing publicly, including once during a royal tour of Australia, they also had some disagreements behind closed doors, especially when it came to rules around hosting guests at their homes.
According to former royal chef Darren McGrady, who worked for different members of the British royal family across 15 years, the royal couple disagreed over what types of foods could be served when guests were over.
© WireImage"There weren't banned foods, but the Queen didn't like garlic or strong onions, viewing them as antisocial," he told Birmingham Live. "Prince Philip, however, loved garlic and would have it at his dinner parties."
Though it's unknown whether the late Queen's rule is upheld by her son, King Charles, when it comes to serving pungent foods at royal meals, Queen Camilla revealed in an interview with her son, food critic Tom Parker-Bowles, that she "avoids chillies and garlic," likely for a similar reason, or perhaps so as not to smell too strong if they have to meet with the public. Other foods generally avoided at banquets include raw meats, or steak tartare, shellfish, and spicy food.
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip's other disagreements
One of the most notable incidents of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip's disagreements was their fight caught on camera during their royal tour of Australia in 1954, while they were staying in the Yarra Ranges, Victoria.
Robert Jobson wrote of the incident in his book, The Windsor Legacy, where he explores the influence of the family over the past 100 years more widely, explaining that Prince Philip was seen suddenly bursting out of a cottage with the former monarch "hurling a tennis racket and shoes" at him.
The royal author explained that Queen Elizabeth had spotted a camera crew who were there to film a staged moment with koalas, and quickly ushered her husband back inside after realising that they were about to be seen by the press in the middle of an argument. Fortunately, a soundman had exposed the film and given it to the monarch's press secretary, who gratefully accepted it.
Soon after, she re-emerged from the cottage and regained her composure, smiling and saying: "Sorry for the little interlude. It happens in every marriage. Now, what would you like me to do?"
