A royal expert has shed light on Prince Harry’s apparent aversion to seafood, as revealed by Meghan Markle in the trailer for the second season of her Netflix show, With Love, Meghan. The trailer, released on Tuesday, features Meghan hosting celebrities and influencers at a California house near her Montecito mansion. Among the guests is Spanish-American chef José Andrés, who is seen preparing a seafood dish with the Duchess of Sussex.
During the segment, Meghan, 44, casually mentions, “Do you know who doesn’t like lobster? My husband,” prompting an incredulous response from Andrés: “And you married him?” This seemingly light-hearted exchange has reignited discussions about royal dietary protocols, particularly the longstanding advisory against seafood consumption among senior members of the Royal Family.
Royal Protocol and Seafood: A Historical Context
The aversion to seafood within the Royal Family is not merely a matter of personal taste. It is rooted in a tradition aimed at minimizing the risk of food poisoning, which could disrupt official duties. According to Ok! magazine, the protocol advises against certain food groups, including seafood, garlic, and foie gras, for health and safety reasons.
Grant Harrold, a former butler to King Charles, explained in 2022, “The Royal Family has to be careful with shellfish to minimize the risk of food poisoning that could interrupt their official schedules.” He added, “It is a very sensible move to abandon having seafood when out and about on public duties.”
“We don’t want a member of the Royal Family having a serious reaction to food poisoning. Especially if [they] are on an overseas tour. Therefore you will not normally find this on the royal menu.”
However, this protocol is not without its contradictions. Darren McGrady, a former chef to Queen Elizabeth II, shared a menu from 1989 showing that the late monarch enjoyed a lobster soufflé at Windsor Castle. “Proof that the Royal Family DO actually eat shellfish,” he captioned the photo, as reported by Hello! magazine.
Meghan’s Love for Seafood and Harry’s Dietary Choices
Meghan Markle has previously expressed her fondness for seafood, describing her “ideal food day” to The New Potato magazine as involving “heaps and heaps of seafood.” She detailed her dream dinner as “a leisurely dinner of seafood and pasta, and a negroni to cap off the night.”
In contrast, Prince Harry’s dietary preferences seem to reflect the royal protocol he grew up with. A former Clarence House official revealed that Harry had a strict rule against his chefs buying foie gras. This adherence to certain dietary restrictions highlights the influence of royal traditions on his personal choices.
Controversy Surrounding Chrissy Teigen’s Appearance
The release of the trailer for With Love, Meghan has also sparked controversy due to the inclusion of American model Chrissy Teigen. Teigen’s past involvement in a bullying scandal has drawn criticism from fans and social media users, who question her appearance on a show led by Meghan, an advocate for online safety and anti-bullying.
In 2021, Teigen faced backlash after old tweets resurfaced, showing her making abusive comments towards Courtney Stodden and others. Although Teigen has publicly apologized, the inclusion of her in Meghan’s show has raised eyebrows, given Meghan’s previous statements about being “one of the most bullied people in the world” and her advocacy for stricter online safety regulations.
“She advocates against online bullying then has Chrissy Teigen on…make it make sense Netflix,” one social media user commented.
Despite the controversy, Teigen has maintained a close relationship with Meghan, especially since the Sussexes relocated to California in 2020. This friendship has been called into question, as Meghan’s advocacy work seems at odds with Teigen’s past online behavior.
Implications and Future Considerations
The release of the new season of With Love, Meghan not only highlights the complexities of royal protocol and personal preferences but also underscores the challenges of public perception and personal relationships. As Meghan continues to navigate her role as a public figure and advocate, the choices she makes in her professional endeavors will likely remain under scrutiny.
As the show airs, viewers will be watching closely to see how Meghan addresses these controversies and whether her advocacy for online safety will influence the narrative. The ongoing dialogue about royal traditions and modern expectations continues to captivate audiences, reflecting broader societal discussions about tradition, personal choice, and accountability.
