The late Princess Diana was known as the People’s Princess. She has always been hailed as being ahead of her time while also being relatable. So it is no wonder that her favourite breakfast food is currently
a major trend on social media and among the ‘pilates princess influencers’.
For the Princess of Wales, breakfast was no royal extravagance; it was just a simple, nourishing bowl of overnight oats that blended creamy yoghurt, juicy fruits, and crunchy nuts into morning perfection. Even years after she died, the Princess continues to influence trends and make waves.
Princess Diana’s favourite breakfast of overnight oats, also known as Bircher muesli, was something she discovered at a Swiss health clinic in the 1990s. Her personal chef, Darren McGrady, has shared the specific recipe he prepared for her daily. It was wholesome yet indulgent and was something Diana consumed regularly, as it acted as fuel for the princess during busy days, offering sustained energy from fibre-rich oats, gut-friendly probiotics, and antioxidant-packed berries.
Watch the Recipe here –
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Princess Diana-Inspired Overnight Oats Recipe
As shared by her personal chef, Darren McGrady
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 cup Greek-style strained yoghurt
- 1 tbsp raw honey (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- ½ Honeycrisp apple (or similar crisp variety)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- ½ cup walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped
Method:
- Prep the Oats Base: In a medium bowl, pour the orange juice over the rolled oats. Stir well to ensure all oats are soaked. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight jar. Refrigerate overnight (8-12 hours) – the juice softens the oats while infusing citrus brightness.
- Mix the Creamy Blend: The next morning, uncover and stir in the Greek yoghurt until smooth and creamy. Drizzle in raw honey and lemon juice for tangy sweetness; whisk thoroughly. Taste and add cinnamon if desired for a warm spice.
- Incorporate Apple: Core the apple (keep skin on for fibre) and grate it finely using a box grater’s large holes. Fold the gratings into the oat mixture immediately to prevent browning—the lemon juice helps here too.
- Add Berries: Gently stir in half the blueberries (½ cup), crushing a few lightly for natural juiciness without overmixing.
- Assemble and Garnish: Spoon into individual serving bowls or jars. Top with remaining blueberries for pops of colour and scatter toasted walnuts for crunch. Walnuts elevate texture and healthy fats.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature – pairs beautifully with a hot tea. Store in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Princess Diana favoured this recipe for its balance, as oats stabilise blood sugar, yoghurt aids digestion, blueberries fight inflammation, and walnuts boost brain health.
