Even Princesses Have Rules: What I’m Not Allowed to Eat — and Why

Being a princess might sound like a dream — castles, tiaras, and afternoon teas. But what many don’t realize is that even princesses have rules, especially when it comes to what ends up on our plates.

Yes, I may be my dad’s most beloved daughter, but when it comes to food, there are boundaries I simply can’t cross. Some of them are about health. Others? Well… they’re just royal tradition.

Here are four foods I’m not allowed to eat, and the surprising reasons why:

1. No Raw Food — Not Even Sushi!

You’d think that being a royal means endless access to exotic dishes from around the world. But one thing I’ve learned: no matter where we go — even to countries known for world-famous sashimi — raw food is off-limits.

Why? It’s all about safety.

Raw foods carry a higher risk of bacterial infection or parasites, and for the royal family, caution always comes first. So, while others might enjoy a bite of raw tuna, I’ll be politely asking for it fully cooked, thank you very much.

2. Garlic? Not a Chance.

This one surprises people the most: no garlic.

The story goes all the way back to my great-great-grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II. She had a very particular distaste for garlic, especially its lingering scent. So much so that she banned it from palace kitchens.

“No garlic in the palace,” she’d say. And somehow… the rule stuck.

Even though she’s no longer with us, the tradition lives on. It’s one of those quiet, inherited preferences that become part of royal life — no matter how much I secretly enjoy garlic bread.

3. Shellfish? That’s a Royal No-No.

It may be delicious, but shellfish is strictly off-limits, especially for younger royals like me.

Why? Because it carries a higher risk of food poisoning.

One bad oyster, and suddenly a state banquet could turn into a royal disaster. So, to be safe, we steer clear of shrimp, clams, mussels, and other shellfish delicacies. My plate is usually filled with safer options — and I don’t mind.

It just means more dessert space.

4. Carbs in Moderation

Now, this isn’t exactly a “forbidden” rule, but it’s one that’s gently encouraged — go easy on the carbs.

Just like my mum and great-grandmother before her, there’s a long-standing tradition among royal women to focus on health, energy, and graceful aging. That often means favoring vegetables, lean proteins, and low-carb dishes over bread, pasta, and heavy starches.

We stay active, too — and for us, healthy eating is more about how we feel than how we look.

The Royal Takeaway

Being a princess isn’t just about glittering gowns and waving from balconies. Sometimes it’s about saying no to garlic, skipping the oysters, and choosing vegetables over cake — well, most of the time.

But these little rules are also part of something bigger: tradition, health, and respect for the legacy we carry.

And who knows? Maybe one day I’ll have a say in the rules, too.

But for now, I’ll stick to grilled chicken, no garlic, and a salad on the side — with just a tiny bite of pudding, if no one’s looking.