Known for her quick wit and spirited sense of humour, her Majesty was beloved by many, but also considered “the rock on which modern Britain was built. “We are now a modern, thriving, dynamic nation,” said the UK’s newly appointed PM Liz Truss in a statement on her death.
“She was the very spirit of Great Britain – and that spirit will endure. Her life of service stretched beyond most of our living memories.”
Favourite afternoon treat ‘by far’
Little less known was her love of chocolate biscuit cake, typically returning to nibble on it until the entire cake was finished, according to Chef Darren McGrady, her former personal chef.
“The chocolate biscuit cake [was] Her Royal Majesty the Queen’s favourite afternoon tea cake by far.”
He told Hello! Magazine last year the royal chefs would send a cake to Her Majesty every day for tea, from which she would usually take only one slice. The remaining cake would be sent to the staff for their afternoon tea.
However, "the chocolate biscuit cake [was] the only one that [was] sent into the royal dining room again and again until it [was] all gone.”
The cake is also loved by her grandson Prince William, who served it as his groom’s cake at his wedding to Kate Middleton.
The rich dark chocolate cake has a crunchy texture thanks to the addition of Rich Tea biscuits, which have a history stretching back to the 17th century, served to the upper classes as a light snack between meals. Today one of the UK’s best-selling biscuits, McVitie’s have used the brand name Rich Tea since 1891.
Another of the Queen’s favourite foods was breakfast cereal, along with a cup of Earl Grey tea ... and, according to Paddington, a marmalade sandwich.
RIP, amazing lady.
Long live the King.