This past Saturday, the ambiance in Vancouver was lively as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex celebrated the launch of the 2025 Invictus Games. The significance of the event was palpable, as Prince Harry and Meghan took a break from their royal duties to indulge in a low-key evening. Dining at Vij’s, a celebrated Indian restaurant, the couple surrounded themselves with close friends, including Canadian crooner Michael Bublé and his wife, Luisana. This gathering not only highlighted the importance of camaraderie but also underscored their penchant for enjoying authentic culinary experiences.
During their dinner, the couple explored a menu steeped in Indian flavors, a cuisine that Meghan has grown fond of over the years. As expressed by Vikram Vij, the esteemed owner and chef of the restaurant, Meghan has historically embraced Indian cooking. This love was particularly evident during her pregnancies with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, where she opted for a diet rich in Indian dishes. The choice of cuisine during such a vital stage of life is intriguing, as it suggests Meghan’s commitment to health and wellness, a value that is often associated with Indian culinary traditions.
Vikram’s unique insight sheds light on just how meaningful these food preferences can be. He gifted Meghan an apron as a memento from her visit, showcasing a connection that goes beyond just a meal—it’s an expression of culinary appreciation and friendship.
Interestingly, Meghan’s culinary desires reflect a broader pattern amongst the royals. The Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, has also shown a proclivity for Indian cuisine, especially during her own experiences with pregnancy. The tales of her cravings are well-documented. Kate’s affinity for a homemade vegetable curry served by local Pakistani chefs illustrates a shared cultural appreciation. Culinary exchanges between the royals and their community reflect a dedication to celebrating diverse gastronomic heritages.
But Kate’s cravings didn’t stop at curry. Reports reveal that her dietary preferences were diverse during her pregnancies. From spicy pizza at a luxurious New York hotel to simple comforts like pickles on brown toast during bouts of morning sickness, each craving paints a vivid picture of her experiences. Her love for avocados, a staple known for its nutritional benefits, reveals a modern sensibility toward pregnancy health.
What this all signifies is not merely a choice of what the royals eat but a deeper narrative about connection, culture, and well-being. Food has a way of binding people, transcending social barriers and creating meaningful memories. For the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, as well as the Princess of Wales, these culinary experiences provide a glimpse into their lives beyond the constraints of royalty.
In essence, the dining habits of the royal family reflect personal choices intertwined with cultural heritage. The culinary traditions they embrace offer an avenue for both nourishment and celebration, exemplifying how food can cultivate community and reinforce familial bonds. As they press on with their public engagements and personal endeavors, their love for rich flavors and comforting meals may very well continue to bring them closer to each other and to their roots.