Having grown up surrounded by staff like cooks, butlers, and footmen at Buckingham Palace, it’s no surprise that King Charles III has limited experience with household chores or cooking. However, a humorous story about his initial encounter with a common item has resurfaced.
Tom Bower’s biography, Rebel Prince (later retitled Rebel King: The Making of a Monarch), recounts a moment when the King was so startled by plastic wrap that he “trembled.” Indeed, this amusing anecdote captures a lighthearted side of royal life.
Bower detailed the event in the book (as reported by The Mirror), describing how Charles entered the dining room and let out a shriek. Concerned, Queen Camilla rushed in, asking, “What’s this?” while her husband pointed at the unfamiliar food covering.
“It’s cling film, darling,” she explained, using the British term for plastic wrap. It appears that Charles had never encountered Saran Wrap before, highlighting his sheltered upbringing. This comical tale has gained renewed attention following the release of a new cookbook by Queen Camilla’s son, Tom Parker Bowles.
In Cooking With the Crown, the food writer discusses the unique dietary habits of his mother and stepfather. In a Daily Mail article, he affectionately referred to the King as “a true food hero,” praising his dedication to “sustainable agriculture” and noting that “there is no waste at his table.”
According to a report from the Mail on Sunday, Charles, known for occasionally skipping lunch as confirmed by Parker Bowles, has now reluctantly agreed to have an afternoon snack, largely due to his wife’s encouragement.