When it comes to meals in the royal household, nothing is left to chance. From the choice of ingredients to how food is served, palace chefs follow long-standing traditions and rules — some of which may surprise you.
Former royal chef Graham Newbould, who worked for the late Queen and later for the Prince and Princess of Wales, revealed one particularly curious custom. According to him, sandwiches served to Prince William and Princess Kate are never cut into squares. Instead, they are always prepared with rounded or angled edges.
A superstition that stands the test of time
The reason behind this rule is rooted in superstition. Tradition holds that pointed-edged food, such as square sandwiches, is a bad omen — historically thought to symbolize a threat to the throne. While this belief may sound old-fashioned, it continues to influence how food is presented in the royal kitchens today.
Newbould shared that he was warned by his predecessor never to serve square or rectangular sandwiches to the royals. This quirky practice reportedly applies not only to Prince William but also to Princess Kate, who has embraced the custom as well.
A tradition passed down through generations
This shape-related superstition is not new. The late Queen Elizabeth II preferred “jam penny” sandwiches — small, round treats with jam and cream, crusts removed. Even further back, Prince Albert, the husband of Queen Victoria, was said to avoid any food shaped like a coffin, fearing it would bring misfortune.
From avoiding certain seafood to steering clear of sharp-edged sandwiches, the royal family’s dining habits are shaped as much by caution as by tradition. It’s just one more glimpse into the fascinating world behind palace doors.
