EXCLUSIVE: The Trio of Major Treats 'Ultra-Picky' King Charles 'Absolutely Bans' From Royal State Banquets

Chocolate, coffee and garlic are all strictly off the menu, creating behind-the-scenes headaches for chefs tasked with delivering lavish feasts that must also cater to an ultra-picky host.

A source said: "Charles has very clear dislikes when it comes to food.

"He is super-picky, and chocolate, coffee and garlic are all off the table for him, which means chefs have to plan every menu around those restrictions and ensure none of those flavors appear anywhere near his plate.

"But they are absolutely banned on king's orders, so there is nothing they can do to get around it."

Those restrictions effectively remove three staples of fine dining from state banquets, even when visiting dignitaries might expect indulgence.

Another insider familiar with palace catering added: "Many people are taken aback when they hear it, but those ingredients are an absolute no-go. Anything involving chocolate, a coffee course or dishes dominated by garlic is ruled out immediately. The King leaves no room for ambiguity about what he refuses to eat."

Charles' influence extends beyond what is served to how it is presented. Our source added the monarch also travels with his own table essentials.

"Whenever he attends a formal dinner, Charles insists on having a small collection of personal items set out at his place," they said.

"That always includes a silver container of special sea salt and a particular cushion he prefers to sit on for comfort and posture. "His seat is instantly recognizable because it is marked out by these familiar objects arranged around his setting."

The King's insistence on familiar comforts is mirrored in his approach to meals.

According to one palace aide, every lunch and dinner must include a side salad prepared to exacting standards.

"He insists on having a side salad with every single meal, and the preparation has to meet very specific standards," the source said.

"Even the smallest change in how it is assembled or presented does not go unnoticed by him."

Breakfast brings its own demands. Charles is particularly fond of a "coddled" egg, cooked for just two to three minutes.

It must also be peeled and hidden beneath salad leaves, which Charles then mixes into the yolk to create a dressing.

Another palace source said the habits reinforce the King's reputation among staff.

"Staff often joke that Charles has an unshakable sense of exactly what he wants and refuses to compromise," the insider added.

"His prohibitions on chocolate, coffee and garlic are non-negotiable, and they reflect how carefully he manages his surroundings to suit his preferences."

Charles's particularities extend to tea as well. He reportedly insists on loose-leaf tea brewed in a teapot, with precise measurements.

For green tea, the water must be heated to 70 degrees Celsius, while Earl Grey must be near boiling.

Organic honey is added directly to the pot.

One insider said: "From the outside, state banquets appear lavish and indulgent.

"But when Charles is presiding, there is a strict framework in place – opulence is encouraged, but only as long as it excludes his three forbidden items."