Princess Diana's breakfasts were often light, fruit-forward, and elegant. (© Volarre 2025)

Diana’s Morning Ritual: Elegance Meets Nourishment

According to Darren McGrady, Princess Diana’s personal chef for four years, the Princess was extremely health-conscious. “She’d work out at the gym, come back, and have grapefruit, muesli, and a glass of orange juice,” McGrady shared in interviews and his book Eating Royally. Diana often avoided red meat and heavy sauces in favor of vibrant vegetables, fresh fruit, and clean proteins.

Following her separation from Prince Charles, Diana became even more intentional with her diet. McGrady recalled that she often requested dishes that were rich in nutrients yet light on the stomach. She was especially fond of dishes with bold, clean flavors—citrus, herbs, and ripe seasonal produce. Her refrigerator was always stocked with fresh berries, apples, lemons, and low-fat yogurt. This oat recipe reflects the subtle sophistication of that phase of her life.

Interestingly, while Diana maintained a mostly healthy lifestyle, McGrady noted that she still enjoyed the occasional indulgence. "She'd sometimes ask me to make her bread and butter pudding, and I'd always lighten it just a bit," he shared. Even royalty, after all, craves comfort food now and then. But for everyday meals, Diana led by example—choosing food that fueled her mind and body without excess.

This citrus-forward oat recipe was a favorite in Diana's routine, according to royal chef Darren McGrady. (© Volarre 2025)

Princess Diana’s Overnight Oats

A bright, citrusy breakfast fit for a princess

Ingredients

• 1 cup rolled oats
• Fresh squeezed orange juice (just enough to cover oats)
• 2–3 tbsp Greek yogurt
• 1 tsp raw honey (or more, to taste)
• 1 Honeycrisp apple, grated with skin on
• 1/2 cup large blueberries
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
• Splash of lemon juice

Instructions

1. Place oats in a glass mason jar and cover with orange juice. Stir gently. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
2. In the morning, fold in Greek yogurt and drizzle with raw honey.
3. Add a splash of lemon juice and grate the apple directly into the bowl.
4. Gently fold in blueberries and chopped walnuts.
5. Garnish and serve chilled on a Juliska Plate or Dessert Plate for a royal touch.

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Bright, creamy, and full of texture—this is a royal breakfast worth repeating. (© Volarre 2025)

How to Set the Table Like Diana

For an elevated experience, prepare your oats in a white ceramic serving bowl, serve with a chilled drink in an outdoor-safe etched glass, and enjoy your breakfast in the garden. This small moment of mindfulness captures the very essence of Diana’s gentle routines.

McGrady often emphasized that cooking for Diana was a pleasure because she was so appreciative. “She would always thank me after meals,” he said. Her warm demeanor extended to everyone in her orbit—including those who prepared her food. It’s no wonder her recipes live on not just for their flavor, but for the memory of the woman who enjoyed them with such gratitude.