Talking about the Royal Family means delving into a world of strict discretion, especially when it comes to the privacy of the Zarzuela Palace. Very few people have had access to that daily life, and one of them was Ricardo Pérez, the first chef of the Royal Household during King Juan Carlos's era.
Ricardo, who had served as a sergeant, ended up winning over the monarch and his entire family thanks to his traditional cooking recipes. Years after retiring, he revealed a curiosity in a private gathering that still surprises people today: "At the Zarzuela table, that language is spoken."
Ricardo Pérez, the Royal Family's chef, reveals the most unknown aspects
Ricardo Pérez was the first cook in Zarzuela's history who marked a turning point in the royal kitchens. With a humble background and mastery of hearty dishes, he earned the trust of don Juan Carlos and Queen Sofía. His traditional stews became the hallmark of palace cuisine, a gastronomy that combined simplicity with authenticity.
Unlike his successors, who have kept absolute discretion about life in the palace, he allowed himself, after his retirement, to share some details. According to El Mundo, in a private conversation he commented: "At the Zarzuela table, that language is spoken. The common language at the daily table was German," making it clear that the queen's German origins were highly regarded.
His words revealed how the atmosphere of family meals went beyond etiquette and protocols. At the table, personal and linguistic customs were shared that reflected the family's cultural diversity. That curious fact showed an unknown side of the monarchs' daily life and highlighted the influence of the now emeritus queen in the household dynamic.
The Royal Family's culinary tastes, according to Ricardo Pérez
In addition to the detail about the language spoken at the table, Ricardo Pérez also commented on other gastronomic preferences of the emeritus royals. According to him, he prepared vegetarian dishes for Doña Sofía, since she kept a much lighter and healthier diet. In contrast, don Juan Carlos was passionate about hearty dishes, although he didn't disdain the simplicity of a good sandwich either.
The Extremaduran cook also recounted, during a culinary event held in Champagne, that one of the now emeritus king's favorite dishes was fish accompanied by leeks. These confidences, though minor, allowed people to glimpse that the food at Zarzuela was not always marked by sophistication, but by traditional Spanish cuisine.
The interesting thing about these revelations is that they debunk the idea that the Royal Family has always lived surrounded only by lavish banquets. Daily life at Zarzuela, at least during Juan Carlos's reign, seemed to revolve more around family stews, hearty recipes, and simple preparations. Pérez's role was not only to feed the royals, but to provide them with a homely and authentic touch in their daily lives.
Ricardo Pérez's time at Zarzuela marked the beginning of a long tradition of royal cooks. Yes, in which professionals such as Carlos Galdámez and Antonio Paredes have later held the position.
All of them, unlike Ricardo, have kept absolute silence about life in the palace kitchen. Confidentiality is a written rule for those who are part of the royal service, which makes the first chef's confessions even more striking.