Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · July 31, 2025 · Entertainment

Princess Diana's Secret to Radiance: The Overnight Oats Recipe Loved by Royals and Influencers

Princess Diana's favourite breakfast has been revealed almost 30 years after her tragic death - and it's a 'super healthy' one loved by influencers (The royal pictured leaving the gym in London in 1995)

Diana's Dirty Little Secret: The Royal Princess's Favorite Breakfast Reveal

It's been almost 30 years since the tragic passing of beloved Princess Diana, but her legacy lives on in more ways than one. Recently, a shocking revelation has emerged about the royal princess's favorite breakfast dish - and it's got everyone talking.

According to Darren McGrady, Princess Diana's former chef, the late mother of Prince William and Prince Harry was obsessed with overnight oats long before they became the trendy breakfast staple we know today. In fact, McGrady revealed that the princess stumbled upon the recipe on a trip to Switzerland in the 1990s, where she discovered "bircher muesli" - a Swiss nutritionist's ingenious creation designed to promote healthy eating.

Ex royal chef Darren McGrady (pictured on YouTube) said the simple hearty breakfast was what the princess ate 'everyday' or on 'most mornings' at Kensington Palace

As it turns out, Princess Diana was a trailblazer in more ways than one. Not only did she pioneer the use of overnight oats as a breakfast food, but she also became an unlikely influencer for modern-day celebrities and social media personalities. A-listers like Cameron Diaz, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Victoria Beckham have all championed the dish, touting its numerous health benefits.

So what's behind the royal princess's love affair with overnight oats? According to McGrady, it was a combination of convenience and nutrition that won her over. "She was looking the best she ever did during those days," he recalled. "She was now eating healthy - her go-to breakfast was something called overnight oats."

But what exactly is overnight oats? For the uninitiated, this no-cook dish requires soaking oatmeal in liquids like milk or juice, along with various ingredients such as fruits, nut butters, and nuts, before refrigerating them overnight. The result is a hearty, protein-packed breakfast that's been hailed by nutritionists as one of the healthiest options available.

Darren revealed that Diana loved overnight oats (pictured) - although some of you may have heard of it through A-listers such as Cameron Diaz, Gwyneth Paltrow and Victoria Beckham

In an exclusive video shared on his YouTube channel (watch it here!), McGrady walked viewers through his personal recipe for overnight oats - a dish remarkably similar to what he used to cook for Princess Diana herself at Kensington Palace. "I use rolled oats, not quick oats," he cautioned, explaining that the former yields a far superior texture.

As he poured freshly squeezed orange juice into the silver bowl of uncooked oats, McGrady revealed his secret ingredient: yoghurt. "It's high in protein, you see," he explained, before adding a drizzle of honey for a touch of sweetness. Finally, he sprinkled fresh blueberries and toasted walnuts on top - the perfect garnish to complete this royal recipe.

When asked about Princess Diana's fondness for overnight oats, McGrady quipped that she had "stolen" the recipe from its Swiss inventor, Dr Maximilian Oskar Bircher-Benner. "She loved it so much that she asked me to make it for her every day," he chuckled.

Darren explained that Princess Diana was 'looking the best she ever did' during the days he cooked overnight oats and other meals for her (pictured 1993)

So there you have it - Princess Diana's favorite breakfast secret revealed at last. But what does this mean for modern-day breakfast enthusiasts? According to McGrady, overnight oats is an affordable and accessible option that can be tailored to suit any taste or dietary requirement.

As we bid farewell to the summer season and hello to a new wave of wellness trends, it's clear that Princess Diana's love affair with overnight oats was nothing short of prescient. Whether you're a royal or just a regular Joe, this humble breakfast dish is sure to become your new go-to.

TheScholarlyNote.com Exclusive Recipe: Princess Diana's Overnight Oats

The expert chef showed the camera a silver bowl of uncooked oats, and afterwards poured a jug of freshly squeezed orange juice inside it

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 1/4 cup yoghurt (high in protein)
  • 1 tablespoon honey (to taste)
  • 1/2 cup fresh blueberries
  • 1/4 cup toasted walnuts

Instructions:

Overnight oats is a no-cook dish that requires preparing oatmeal by soaking it in liquids like milk, and other ingredients such as fruits, nut butters and nuts overnight in the refrigerator

  1. Steep the oats in the orange juice overnight.
  2. Add yoghurt and honey to taste.
  3. Top with fresh blueberries and chopped nuts.

Enjoy your delicious, healthy breakfast - just like Princess Diana!

Darren presented the final concoction in a medium-sized tumbler with a silver panel which was now overflowing with creamy oats

Overnight oats (pictured) was reportedly invented by Dr Maximilian Oskar Bircher-Benner around the 20th century so his patients could enjoy a healthy and easy meal