The Prince of Wales has waded into one of Britain’s most contentious culinary disputes, revealing how Queen Elizabeth II favoured her scones.
Speaking on Heart FM’s breakfast show from the Isles of Scilly, William revealed: “I can only tell you what I learnt from my grandmother, and she definitely had the cream on first. Cream on first, jam on top.”
His account directly challenges claims made by Darren McGrady, a Buckingham Palace chef from 1982 to 1993, who insisted in 2018 that the late Queen preferred jam first at royal tea parties.
William diplomatically concluded: “It tastes delicious either way.”
The interview offered a glimpse into the Wales family’s domestic chaos, with William describing eight-year-old Prince Louis leaving sticky jam fingerprints throughout the car during school runs.
Morning routines prove as challenging for the heir to the throne as any other parent, with debates over guitars and school bags causing daily negotiations.
Princess Charlotte, William disclosed, is “obsessed” with Taylor Swift, while her younger brother shares the enthusiasm.
The Prince recalled taking Charlotte and Prince George to Swift’s Wembley concert in 2024, and when asked about the singer’s upcoming wedding to NFL star Travis Kelce, he admitted: “I am hoping, and I am sure that there might be an invitation around.”
The Prince of Wales has revealed how Queen Elizabeth II favoured her scones
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GETTY
The Princess of Wales returned from her recent visit to Reggio Emilia “buzzing”, according to her husband, marking her first official overseas engagement since completing cancer treatment.
“She’s been amazing,” William said. “She’s been through so much in the last couple of years, particularly. She’d been looking forward to the Italian trip a lot, so I’m really glad it went really well.”
Catherine is gradually increasing her international commitments, though William acknowledged the exhausting nature of such visits requires careful balance.
Her dedication to early childhood development remains unwavering, with the Prince joking that paperwork fills their bedroom most evenings, describing her as “a proper pro on early years.”
The comments came as Prince William visited the Isles of Scilly today
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PA
The Duchy of Cornwall is investing more than £11million to construct 30 affordable eco-homes on the islands, targeting essential workers including teachers, firefighters and nurses.
Additionally, an old school building in Hugh Town will be converted into 12 social rental properties.
The duchy owns three-quarters of the Isles of Scilly and approximately a third of residential housing there.
William opened a new maternity and care wing at the local health centre, built on land the duchy donated to the NHS.
These initiatives form part of the Prince’s broader strategy to address the housing crisis threatening the remote community’s long-term viability.
The Prince spent numerous childhood summers on the Isles of Scilly and continues bringing his own children during school holidays.
“It’s a place like no other,” he said. “It’s like a different world down here, it’s beautiful. The children can go where they want here; it’s safe, they can explore. The beach is amazing, the water’s crystal clear.”
The special broadcast was recorded at the Dibble & Grub cafe on Porthcressa beach in Hugh Town, St Mary’s.
William praised the islanders’ versatility, noting they typically juggle multiple roles to maintain community services, describing their mutual support as “wonderful.”

