Queen Camilla's daily breakfast that can boost heart health

Queen Camilla's daily breakfast that can boost heart health Queen Camilla likes to keep her breakfast simple, but the monarch adds a 'delicate' topping to her morning porridge If you assumed the Royals begin every day with elaborate feasts and luxurious spreads, think again. Tom Parker Bowles has previously revealed the surprisingly simple breakfast his mother, Queen Camilla, enjoys each morning when the weather turns cold. Although the dish is undeniably simple, Tom explained that Her Majesty enhances it with a spoonful of a homemade ingredient she keeps in her kitchen. This classic breakfast favourite has also been praised by the British Heart Foundation (BHF) for its heart-healthy benefits, thanks to its high fibre content. In his book, 'Cooking & The Crown' published in 2024, Tom said: "In winter, my mother, Queen Camilla, eats porridge every day - plain, aside from a little of her own honey. The hives sit at the back of a field at Raymill, the house in which my sister and I spent the latter part of our youth." He then continued: "[The honey] is delicate and mild, as fine stirred into a good Darjeeling tea as it is mixed with porridge or yoghurt." As noted, the BHF has previously ranked porridge above granola, cornflakes, muesli, and even bran flakes as the most heart-friendly breakfast option. This is largely thanks to its beta-glucan content - a soluble fibre linked to lower cholesterol levels when at least 3g is consumed daily as part of a balanced, healthy diet. However, while Queen Camilla is said to make her porridge with full-fat milk and a pinch of salt, the BHF advises avoiding this if you want the health benefits. Instead, they recommend using water or low-fat milk, and adding fruit like bananas for natural sweetness. The BHF experts previously advised: "As well as beta-glucan, you’ll be getting the fibre from the whole grains, plus there is no added sugar or salt. Instead of adding sugar or salt to your porridge for flavour – instead, try adding a banana or other fruits for extra sweetness. "For every 80g that you add it will be one of your five-a-day at the same time." Beyond this, it's worth noting that other scientific research has also found a connection between honey consumption and heart health. In 2020, one study claimed that honey could be a "potential candidate to be explored further as a natural and dietary alternative to the management of cardiovascular disease". Scientists reached this conclusion after reviewing evidence to suggest that honey can act as a 'cardioprotective agent', reducing damage in cases of heart problems. However, more research is required to better understand this link. Tom's book 'Cooking and The Crown' is a culinary homage to over a century of Royal dining, from the days of Queen Victoria to our present King Charles III. It spans extravagant meals like 'Pommes Elizabeth' and 'Pudding au Pain et aux Cerises', while also featuring an array of classic yet straightforward dishes you can try at home. More information can be found here.