Charles III bans foie gras from his royal residences

Sylvie Claire / November 19, 2022

No more foie gras at Buckingham: King Charles III has banned this dish from the tables of the royal residences, according to a letter from the palace sent to the Peta association.

Charles, who has long campaigned for the protection of nature, organic farming and the fight against climate change, is said to be a long-time opponent of foie gras.

“Thank you for your letter about the ethical issues surrounding foie gras,” wrote the master of the king’s house to the association Peta (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), in a letter of which AFP obtained a copy Friday.

I can confirm that foie gras is not purchased by the royal household or served in the royal residences and that there are no plans to change this policy,” Sir Tony Johnstone-Burt continued in the letter dated November 10.

Buckingham Palace did not respond to requests from AFP.

Elizabeth II, who died on September 8, would also have greatly appreciated foie gras. Duck foie gras had actually been served to her at a state dinner in Paris in June 2014, with former president François Hollande.

To thank the king, Peta sent him a box of “faux gras”, served in the London restaurant of vegan chef Alexis Gauthier. Peta “encourages everyone to follow the king’s example and not eat foie gras at Christmas and beyond,” the association wrote in a statement.

Foie gras, considered a delicacy and often eaten at Christmas, can currently be imported and sold in the UK, but not produced in the country.