Queen Elizabeth is a "major chocoholic".
The 90-year-old monarch has a sweet tooth and loves to indulge in a calorific treat at Christmas time.
Darren McGrady, former chef to Queen Elizabeth, Diana Princess of Wales and Princes William and Harry, told Delish.com: "The queen is a major chocoholic, particularly dark chocolate, so she always has a chocolate treat on Christmas. She also loves mint."
Darren also revealed that Christmas is the one time of the year when the monarch turns the tables on her staff.
He explained: "Right before the Christmas buffet, the senior chef on duty goes into the dining room and carves the rib roast or turkey or ham and once he’s done, Her Majesty presents the chef with a glass of whiskey and they toast. That’s the only time the chef goes into the dining room and has a glass of whiskey with the royal family. It’s one of the chef’s favourite traditions."
And despite her wealth and station, the Queen prefers modest decorations at her Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, where she celebrates the festive season.
He said: "The Queen is not lavish, so the décor is minimal. The Royal Family has a large Christmas tree and a large silver artificial tree in the dining room, which is about 30 years old."