Over60
Food & Wine

Did you know this was Princess Diana’s favourite recipe? Uncovered letters reveal surprising meal

Princess Diana’s favourite dish has been revealed in what was a previously unseen letter written by her private secretary.

The meal she delighted in before she was a royal might surprise you, however as it only requires a few ingredients and is easy to conjure up in your own kitchen.

In 1981 a South African care home charity reached out to celebrities asking for their favourite recipes, which would be featured in an upcoming cookbook.

While the novel was only ever sold locally, previously unseen letter have uncovered that the Princess of Wales’ favourite dish was borscht soup.

The hearty meal originates from the Ukrainian and is made predominantly from beetroot.

The soup is quite simple to make and a home favourite across much of Eastern Europe.

"The Lady Diana Spencer has asked me to thank you very much for your letter," the response, which was written by Diana's private secretary, reads.

"The Lady Diana's favourite recipe is Borsch. It has the following ingredients – beetroot, natural yogurt, onions, chicken stock, milk, sour cream, salt and pepper."

The recipe offers royal fans a small look into the kind of meals and foods the royal enjoyed in the comfort of her own home.

The letter written on April 7 of 198 – just three months shy of Diana marrying into the royal family.

The South African charity contacted Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother as well as a young Princess Di.

She wasn't so forthcoming with her recipes though, and had her Lady-In-Waiting write back that while she was thankful the charity reached out – she wouldn't be sharing her favourite dish with anyone.

"I am afraid it is not possible for The Queen Mother to send you a recipe for your proposed cookbook, as there is a rule whereby Queen Elizabeth never gives recipes to anyone however worthy the cause," the Lady-In-Waiting wrote.

Tags:
food, recipe, Princess Diana, Food & wine, lifestyle, favourite meal