Gordon Ramsay's Memorable Moments: Cooking for Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Diana

Gordon Ramsay Says Cooking for Queen Elizabeth Is Career Highlight

Leon Bennett/Getty Images; Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images

Gordon Ramsay shared some special memories of cooking for the late Queen Elizabeth II. During an episode of the Watch What Happens Live After Show on Tuesday, May 14, the renowned chef mentioned that cooking for the late queen and Princess Diana were two major highlights of his career.

“I got to cook for her on a couple of occasions,” he said of the British monarch.

Ramsay, who is 57 years old, shared that despite the chaos of a busy banquet, the queen always made sure to spend time with him. He mentioned how she showed genuine interest in him, even with a long line of people waiting to meet her. She wanted to talk about food, Ramsay's former restaurant at Claridge's, and his journey in life. Ramsay described her as a gracious and incredible woman who appreciated his presence.

The popular chef from Hell’s Kitchen shared a memorable experience when he was honored as an officer of the Order of the British Empire by the queen. Ramsay described it as an amazing moment when he was invited to Holyrood, the Scottish castle, to receive the prestigious award.

Gordon Ramsay Says Cooking for Queen Elizabeth Is Career Highlight

Diana The Princess Of Wales Antony Jones/UK Press via Getty Images

Ramsay was honored with an OBE for his contributions to the hospitality industry in the 2006 New Year Honors list.

He proudly received his medal during an investiture ceremony held at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, Scotland, in July 2006.

Ramsay almost missed the ceremony because his flight from London to Scotland was delayed. He told the BBC about it later.

He also mentioned jokingly that he didn't tease the queen for not picking him to cook for her 80th birthday.

In 2021, Ramsay shared that the most memorable meal he ever cooked was for Princess Diana during his time as a chef at the London restaurant Aubergine in the 1990s.

During an episode of the British cooking show Gordon, Gino, and Fred Go Greek, Ramsay revealed that he prepared a pressed leek terrine appetizer followed by a main course of sea bass for Diana, who passed away in August 1997.

Ramsay added Diana was “just beautiful” and “by far was one of the most gracious members of the royal family I’ve ever met.”

Editor's P/S:

Gordon Ramsay's reminiscences of cooking for Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Diana paint a vivid picture of the genuine respect and warmth these iconic figures exuded. Queen Elizabeth's graciousness and interest in Ramsay's personal journey, despite the demands of her royal duties, speaks volumes about her character. Ramsay's account of being honored with an OBE by the Queen at Holyrood Castle further highlights the immense esteem in which he was held.

Ramsay's glowing tribute to Princess Diana, whom he describes as "beautiful" and "gracious," underscores the profound impact she had on him. The meal he prepared for her at Aubergine in the 1990s remains a cherished memory, a testament to Diana's love of food and her appreciation for Ramsay's culinary skills. These anecdotes offer a rare glimpse into the human side of both Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Diana, revealing their warmth, appreciation, and genuine interest in those around them.