King Charles has hired a “Royal Mushroom Tester” to ensure his love of foraging doesn’t lead to accidental poisoning. Both Charles and Queen Camilla enjoy gathering wild mushrooms at their estates in England and Scotland, but the UK is home to dangerous fungi, including the deadly Death Cap. To stay safe, a tester samples the mushrooms before the King cooks them.
Charles, who has embraced natural remedies as part of his health routine, even prepares dishes for Camilla in their estate kitchens. The role of the mushroom tester is reminiscent of medieval food tasters who ensured the monarch’s meals were safe.
At Sandringham, Charles has introduced breakfast options inspired by royal favorites. Visitors can enjoy Queen Camilla’s go-to winter breakfast, porridge with honey, priced at $10 per portion. Other menu items include a $15 mushroom filo pastry and a $17 bacon and egg fry-up. However, some royal fans have noted that these meals come at “royal” prices.
Additionally, ticket prices for Balmoral Castle tours have increased, with packages including afternoon tea now costing up to $208. Despite the cost, the experience of dining in a setting resembling the royals’ own has proven popular, with tickets selling out quickly.
