In the rarefied world of super yachting, no request is too outlandish – particularly if it comes from a future King.
Sailing around the Greek islands with his family last month, the Prince and Princess of Wales’s eldest son George, 12, apparently fancied something off menu.
The royals had just left Kefalonia and were heading south in the Ionian Sea towards another island, Zakynthos. After dropping anchor some distance from the shore, a tender boat was despatched on a special mission.
It seems something had tickled young George’s fancy. Sources remain tight-lipped about quite what it was – though one said tantalisingly: ‘George required a specific dietary item which led to the tender going ashore in Zakynthos to purchase it. Nothing extravagant, just something particular.’
It is hard to conceive of what it was that couldn’t be rustled up by the superyacht’s chef. And presumably the kitchen received plenty of forewarning about the children’s likes and dislikes.
Hard to imagine the yacht running out of ketchup, say, or chicken nuggets.
George is said to have a penchant for spaghetti carbonara, a straightforward dish by any standards. He and sister Charlotte, ten, are also partial to curry. Again, easily prepared.
Perhaps as some locals on Zakynthos have half-jokingly speculated, George fancied a fast food treat.
They point out that it is one of only a handful of Greek islands that boasts a McDonald’s restaurant. What’s more it is close to the shore in the town of Laganas on the south of the island.
‘It is company policy not to divulge any information regarding our clients,’ said the manager.
A mystery indeed. In truth, while Princess Diana was known to indulge William and Harry with burgers and KFC, it is something Kate has avoided.
Last week the Daily Mail revealed that a retired civil servant spotted some of the royal party – Kate, Charlotte and Louis – on their superyacht off the coast of Ithaca, a tiny island 25 minutes by ferry from Kefalonia.
Penelope Likoudi, 64, was swimming in secluded Mavrouna Bay when she came within 30 metres (100ft) of the yacht.
‘Kate was standing on the top level with Charlotte and Louis,’ she said. ‘There was an older lady next to them, possibly Kate’s mother, but I wasn’t able to see her well.
‘I literally shivered with excitement. I was shocked, I couldn’t believe it. Now I wish I’d called out hello to them. But I didn’t, I got starstruck and couldn’t get the words out.
‘There was no sign of William or George though.’
The Daily Mail has learned that not once during the sailing trip did the royals set foot on any of the islands.
It is thought to have been considered but quickly ruled out because of security concerns. Instead the royals made good use of a platform that transforms the stern hatch into a private beach area, where they swam and played on inflatables and paddleboards.
