Even though it’s way too early to start packing a school lunch for my daughter, I’ve already joined a Facebook group that offers up a few creative, colorful ideas. But let me tell you, I’m already panicking. Nobody seems to use a standard brown bag anymore, and peanut butter and jelly is no longer cool. The good news is, every bento box on social media is filled with vibrant, healthy foods like turkey wraps and celery. A few adventurous moms even throw mushroom slices and grape tomatoes in there. But still, it’s nothing like the lunch that Prince George gets, which is pretty darn regal.
Prince George, the 5-year-old son of Prince William and Kate Middleton, attends Thomas’s Battersea in London. As you may expect, it’s a lot different than your standard elementary school. For one, it has a tuition, which reportedly equals around $23,000 per year. That’s just a drop in the bucket for the royal family, especially since he’s being educated as well as fed.
Based on the school’s sample menus online, you might be surprised (or not) to hear that Prince George’s school lunches are probably more extravagant than your standard dinner. (No offense, surely it’s lovely in its own way).
Here are just some of the main meals on the menu.
Chicken Arrabbiata
Arrabbiata sauce is spicy, and often used for pasta. And that’s a good thing to know, since this particular chicken dish is also served with steamed whole wheat twisty pasta, plus some fruit.
Lamb Ragu With Garlic and Fresh Herbs
Personally speaking, I’ve eaten lamb once in my life — and at the time, I didn’t even know it was lamb, so it barely counts. But lamb is something very casually served up at Prince George’s school, putting our sloppy joes to shame.
Baked MSC Cod
Prince George’s school offers up a fish option as well, just in case lamb or beef isn’t part of your standard diet. And no, we’re not talking about canned tuna here — we’re talking about baked cod, which also comes flavored with tomatoes and basil. Lucky kid.
Vegan Creamy Squash Linguine
There are also vegetarian-friendly options at Prince George’s school, one being vegan squash linguine. Unlike the one pictured above, his would have the cheese omitted. Yet something tells me it’d be absolutely delicious even without it.
Oven-Baked Daloon Vegan Falafel Bites
But, it’s not just pasta (or veggies) for vegetarians. Another option includes falafel bites, which sound like the appetizer I never knew I needed in my life.
Now, keep in mind that all of these options above are just available on the “Week 1” menu. There are two other sample menus that the school posted, which include even more goodies. Such as…
Free Range Chicken Chow Mein
Not only is it chicken chow mein, which is rarely seen in a school cafeteria, but it’s one of the healthiest versions of it.
Authentic Lamb And Apricot Tagine
Feel like you need to Google “tagine”? Have no worries — I had no idea either, so I’ll share the information with you. Tagine is a slow-cooked stew from North Africa that includes meats and vegetables. Or in Prince George’s case, lamb and apricot. This seems like the type of yummy and filling meal I’d get if I was on vacation.
Vegan Paneer Pulao
Here’s another one I had to look up, and I’m a better person for it. Paneer pulao is an Indian rice and vegetable dish that also includes spices like garam masala and cilantro. Otherwise known as two spices you won’t find anywhere near a standard elementary school cafeteria.
Hungarian Lamb Goulash
Anyone else really hungry right now?
Piri Piri Chicken
This dish is also typically spicy, proving that the kids over at Thomas’s Battersea have pretty experienced palates. The menu notes that this dish, which has roots in both Africa and Portugal, is a bit milder but still very authentic.
Salmon And Broccoli Quiche
On Week 3’s Fish menu, Salmon and Broccoli Quiche is mentioned. And I’m going to be honest, I didn’t know this was a thing at all until right now — but it sounds like quite an incredible lunch combo.
Gammon Ham Served With A Poached Egg
Who doesn’t like a little breakfast (sort of) for lunch? A protein-packed meal like ham and eggs sounds perfect to help young minds concentrate halfway between the school day.
After hearing about all of that, it probably makes you feel like you should enroll along with Prince George. And I didn’t even mention the fact that these kids also get dessert with their meal.
He always seems to be all smiles — and now we know why.
