Queen Elizabeth’s secret to radiant ageing? A royal lunch of Dover sole and spinach

Queen Elizabeth II, whose life as the longest-reigning monarch was filled with demanding royal engagements, maintained a surprisingly simple and healthy lunchtime routine. Despite her hectic schedule, the Queen often turned to a two-ingredient meal that helped her stay youthful and energetic well into her later years.

Former royal chefs have shared insights into the Queen’s dietary preferences, revealing that she frequently enjoyed a lunch of grilled Dover sole served on a bed of wilted spinach or courgette. This dish, which may appear simple, offered a wealth of nutritional benefits. The Dover sole, a lean fish, provided a rich source of protein, while the spinach or courgette added essential vitamins and minerals. The meal was low in fat, allowing the Queen to maintain a balanced and healthy diet, which, according to experts, may have contributed to her remarkable vitality and youthful appearance.

The Queen’s daily routine, marked by numerous engagements and responsibilities, required her to stay in peak physical condition. The choice of such a nutrient-dense lunch was part of a broader approach to maintaining health. Her meal was not only a practical choice but also a reflection of her disciplined lifestyle, which likely played a role in her ability to carry out her duties with grace and poise for decades.

While many might expect a monarch to indulge in elaborate meals, Queen Elizabeth’s lunch preference was an embodiment of moderation and good health. The simple yet nourishing combination of Dover sole and greens was a constant in her diet, which, alongside her overall lifestyle, helped her maintain a strong and healthy presence throughout her reign.

Her longevity and energy were a subject of admiration worldwide, and this lunchtime habit might just be one of the secrets behind her youthful glow.