Queen Camilla’s son Tom Parker Bowles has shared the breakfast his mother loves

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Contrary to the idea that Royal mornings start with lavish feasts, Tom Parker Bowles has revealed that Queen Camilla, his mother, opts for a much simpler breakfast when the weather turns cold.

He shared that, while the dish itself is modest, the Queen adds a spoonful of a homemade ingredient she keeps in her kitchen to elevate it. The simple breakfast choice is one that the British Heart Foundation says is great for heart health and boasts high fibre content.

In his book, ‘Cooking & The Crown‘ published in 2024, Tom said: “In winter, my mother, Queen Camilla, eats porridge every day – plain, aside from a little of her own honey. The hives sit at the back of a field at Raymill, the house in which my sister and I spent the latter part of our youth.”

He then continued: “[The honey] is delicate and mild, as fine stirred into a good Darjeeling tea as it is mixed with porridge or yoghurt.”

As noted, the British Heart Foundation has ranked porridge as more heart-healthy than granola, cornflakes, muesli, and bran flakes. This is mainly because it contains beta-glucan, a soluble fibre that can help lower cholesterol when you consume at least 3g per day as part of a balanced diet.

Queen Camilla is said to make her porridge with full-fat milk and a pinch of salt, but the British Heart Foundation recommend using water or low-fat milk instead, and adding fruit like bananas for natural sweetness.

The BHF experts previously advised: “As well as beta-glucan, you’ll be getting the fibre from the whole grains, plus there is no added sugar or salt. Instead of adding sugar or salt to your porridge for flavour – instead, try adding a banana or other fruits for extra sweetness.

“For every 80g that you add it will be one of your five-a-day at the same time.” Beyond this, it’s worth noting that other scientific research has also found a connection between honey consumption and heart health.

In 2020, one study claimed that honey could be a “potential candidate to be explored further as a natural and dietary alternative to the management of cardiovascular disease”.

Scientists found evidence that honey may help protect the heart and reduce damage during heart problems. However, more research is needed to confirm this.

Tom’s book ‘Cooking and The Crown’ is a culinary homage to over a century of Royal dining, from the days of Queen Victoria to our present King Charles III. It spans extravagant meals like ‘Pommes Elizabeth’ and ‘Pudding au Pain et aux Cerises’, while also featuring an array of classic yet straightforward dishes you can try at home. More information can be found here.

Egg sandwiches are a firm favourite for many people, but they can sometimes lack flavour. However, a HelloFresh recipe expert says there’s an unlikely ingredient you can add to boost the taste – and it’s not mayo

Many people love egg sandwiches, but what you might not realise is that there’s a technique you can use to make them even more delicious. While most people reach for mayonnaise to enhance the flavour of their meals, it turns out you may want to opt for an entirely different ingredient to improve the taste.

Egg sandwiches make a brilliant lunch or breakfast, being both tasty and satisfying; however, injecting flavour into them can sometimes prove challenging. There’s no need to fret though, as a straightforward recipe adjustment can help, and it’s an incredibly simple hack to put into practice once you know what to do.

This isn’t the first occasion food guidance of this nature has been offered either. Previously, it was discovered that incorporating an unlikely ingredient can also make a notable difference.

Now, advice has been provided by Mimi Morley, Senior Recipe Development Manager at HelloFresh, and she has some genuinely useful tips. The brand boasts thousands of followers on Instagram, making her someone well worth listening to.

According to her, one simple ingredient is all that’s needed to transform the taste of your sarnies. It’s even more straightforward than you could ever have imagined.

When asked what to add, Mimi said: “Marmite! Spread on your bread with your butter before adding your egg mixture. The saltiness with the egg is elite.”

As it happens, that’s all there is to it. Adding a touch of Marmite to your sandwiches could genuinely transform the flavour.

There are explanations for why this might be the case as well. The kitchen staple could prove transformative when it comes to elevating the dish.

Why do it?

Incorporating Marmite into egg sandwiches enhances their taste if you appreciate rich, savoury and salty flavours. Marmite contains concentrated yeast extract, which delivers a profound, umami flavour.

It balances the subtle taste of eggs. Beyond this, its saltiness offsets the richness of egg yolks.

What’s more, the textural contrast also benefits the dish considerably. Sticky Marmite works brilliantly with soft, creamy eggs.

There are two approaches you could adopt with the product. Firstly, you could thinly coat some on the bread before assembling the sandwich.

As an alternative, you could also prepare a Marmite butter. To achieve this, simply combine Marmite with softened butter.

Then apply it liberally on the bread before introducing the eggs. It genuinely is that straightforward.

You simply need to bear in mind to be cautious with the quantity you incorporate. A modest amount can frequently go a considerable distance.

The application, submitted by Be One Homes, will see 30 affordable houses built on land behind Doris Avenue despite strong opposition from nearby residents who raised concerns about contamination, subsidence and the loss of wildlife habitat.

Members of Bolton Council‘s Planning Committee voted to approve the scheme on June 18, citing the borough’s pressing need for affordable housing.

However, residents living closest to the site say their fears have been overlooked.

Jenny Young, of Doris Avenue, said: “The land is not suitable for dwellings.

“It’s disgraceful.

“It just seems like they don’t care a damn for residents and just want to stick up houses and get money for it.

“It sickens me. It honestly makes my blood boil.”

Fly-tipping on the land (Image: Jenny Young)

Residents claim the site has a long history of fly-tipping.

Opponents of the scheme had previously submitted a petition to the council objecting to the plans.

(Image: Jenny Young)

The same resident added: “If this development goes ahead, householders need assurance in writing that adequate compensation will be available should any damage occur to our properties.

Many objectors also questioned why green space was being targeted when other brownfield sites across the borough remain undeveloped.

“Whilst I appreciate there is a need for housing, it should not be at the expense of a rich wildlife habitat and profit should not come first,” said Ms Young.

“What about brownfield sites where buildings have been demolished and are lying idle? Developing those sites would revitalise urban areas and prevent the loss of natural habitats.”

Residents worry about the uneven land (Image: Jenny Young)

At the planning meeting, Cllr Martin Donaghy, representing Tonge with The Haulgh ward, spoke against the application on behalf of residents, although he is not a member of the planning committee.

Despite the objections, councillors voted to approve the plans, with the need for affordable housing carrying significant weight in the decision.

The development will now move forward, although many residents of Doris Avenue say they remain deeply concerned about its potential impact on their homes and the surrounding environment.

Abu’s, which has become one of Darlington’s best-rated Indian restaurants from its Duke Street base, has opened a new restaurant in Harrogate.

The Harrogate venue, on Cheltenham Crescent, holds a 5/5 rating on TripAdvisor.

Although the restaurant is still a new addition to the town, early diners have already praised its food, service and atmosphere, with every Tripadvisor review so far rated excellent.

The opening follows the success of Abu’s in Darlington, which previously built up a 5/5 rating from hundreds of reviews and was described by diners as “flawless” and “perfect”.

Abu’s in Darlington (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

Now, the Harrogate sister site appears to be following a similar path.

One reviewer, from Harrogate, described it as the “best curry in Harrogate” after making a second visit to the restaurant.

They wrote: “Amazing food both times, tasty and fresh.”

Another diner, who visited with friends in June, described their first meal at Abu’s as “excellent” and said they would “definitely be returning soon”.

The reviewer praised the onion bhajis as “fresh, light, crisp and tasty”, while also highlighting the paneer tikka, mushroom paneer and paneer nawabi.

They added that the paneer nawabi, advertised as containing 21 spices, had “lovely, complex flavours”, while the garlic naan was “light and puffy”.

Other customers have also praised the restaurant’s welcome and service.

One visitor described Abu’s as an “amazing restaurant with an excellent menu”, writing: “Warm and friendly welcome, lovely atmosphere. Both service and food were incredible, delicious and presentation too.”

They added that the restaurant offered “so much choice” and “good portions”, advising diners to book during busy times.

Another Harrogate reviewer called it “one of the best Indian restaurants in H’gate” after trying Abu’s as a new addition to the town.

They said they were “warmly greeted” and praised the “top-notch” food, describing it as “flavoursome and authentic”.

The reviewer added that the mixed sizzler starter, lamb biryani, mixed balti, garlic naan and pilau rice were “more than enough for two”.

They wrote: “Meat in all the dishes was succulent and all was 10/10. Could not fault a thing and very reasonably priced for quality.”

The naan breads have also been singled out by several visitors.

One family reviewer said they visited after seeing Abu’s had opened in Harrogate and described the meal as “absolutely superb”.

They praised the chicken tikka, lamb nawabi and chicken korma, adding that the chicken was “melt in your mouth” and the lamb was “very, very tender”.

However, they said the naan breads were the highlight, describing them as “soft and fluffy with lots of flavour”.

Another early customer described Abu’s as an “amazing new restaurant” and said staff were “very friendly and welcoming”.

They added: “The food was amazing. Compliments to Abu’s Dad, who was the chef during our visit.”

With both restaurants now holding perfect Tripadvisor ratings, Abu’s appears to have carried its Darlington reputation into Harrogate.

Marcus Rashford scored England’s fourth on Wednesday night as they beat Croatia 4-2 in their World Cup opener. While Rashford could not have asked for a better start to the World Cup, his Manchester United future appears to be in tatters. It has been a whirlwind decade for the 28-year-old.

After bursting onto the scene in February 2016, Rashford has had a rollercoaster career full of highs and lows. With his time at Old Trafford potentially coming to a permanent end this summer, MEN Sport has taken a look at the rise and subsequent fall of Rashford at United.

February 2016

On February 25, Rashford makes his debut for the Reds against FC Midtjylland. He scored twice as United ran out 5-1 winners on the night, 6-3 on aggregate. The teenager takes to social media afterwards to write: “A dream debut, great to score twice and contribute to the team.”

Three days later, he scores another brace, this time in the Premier League against Arsenal in a 3-2 victory at Old Trafford. The game is also remembered for head coach Louis van Gaal flopping on the touchline in front of the fourth official. “This is my first game in the Premier League, so obviously it’s been amazing,” Rashford told Sky Sports.

“To score two has been a bonus, so hopefully we can carry it on and go again the next game. It was a shock playing midweek as well. But that maybe benefited me because I wasn’t thinking about the game too much. It’s just crazy.”

After the Arsenal win, MEN Sport christened Rashford as the heir to Wayne Rooney.

March 2016

On March 20, 2016, Rashford becomes the youngest ever goalscorer in the Manchester derby as his goal secures a 1-0 win over Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium. That morning, reports suggest Van Gaal will be replaced by Jose Mourinho in the summer.

May 2016

Despite leading United to the FA Cup, Van Gaal is sacked and replaced by Mourinho, on May 27. Three days later, Rashford signs a new contract until 2020 after ending his debut campaign with eight goals in 18 appearances.

He is named the Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year.

September 2016

Rashford finishes runner-up to Portugal’s Renato Sanches in the Golden Boy.

May 2017

Started the Europa League final that United won 2-0 vs Ajax. This wrapped up an impressive season for the Reds winning the Europa League, League Cup and Community Shield.

He also played the most matches of any United player that season (53).

October 2017

Rashford finishes third in the Golden Boy behind winner Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele.

March 2018

On March 10, Rashford makes his first start of the year and scores twice as United beat Liverpool 2-1 at Old Trafford. Three days later, the Reds crash out of the Champions League against Sevilla and Mourinho is criticised in the media for continuously playing Rashford on the wing, rather than as a centre-forward.

August 2018

Following Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s departure, Rashford is awarded the No.10 shirt on August 5.

September 2018

Having not started all season up to that point, Rashford is told by Jamie Carragher that he might need to leave United. “Romelu Lukaku is in front of Rashford and I don’t see Rashford displacing him as long as he is there,” Carragher tells Sky Sports.

“But remember when Lukaku was at Chelsea and he had to come away and go to Everton. Then he ended up as top scorer and got his move to Man United.

“Possibly Everton is the sort of club you are looking at, just below the top six, for someone like Rashford, similar to what Lukaku did. Does he have to leave United? I think so.

“Is he good enough to displace Lukaku? Is Rashford good enough to be Manchester United’s centre-forward for them trying to win the Premier League or the Champions League? He may not be.”

Three days after Carragher’s comments, Mourinho fired back in a press conference on September 14. “People speaking about his minutes, they are a bit confused,” he said.

“Marcus Rashford is not [then Liverpool striker] Dominic Solanke. He’s not [then Chelsea midfielder] Ruben Loftus-Cheek. He’s not [then Everton forward] Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

“He’s Marcus Rashford, Manchester United player, with an incredible number of appearances and an incredible number of minutes played at the highest level in the best possible competitions.”

December 2018

On December 18, Mourinho is sacked by United and replaced, initially on an interim basis, by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Four days later, Rashford scores inside three minutes as Solskjaer wins his first match in charge 5-1 against Cardiff City.

Rashford continues his good form leading to praise from Solskjaer on December 30, 2018. “Marcus has been different class since I came,” he told Sky Sports.

“He’s scored two now in three. His work rate is unbelievable.

“He closes down, chases, runs in behind, and the skill for the first goal for Paul [Pogba]… the first thing, he holds the ball up, he hasn’t got the right to get past them. He’s got all the chances in the world, the potential of being a top, top, top striker.”

March 2019

Rashford scores his first competitive penalty for United as the Reds seal a stunning 3–1 win in the second leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie against Paris Saint-Germain. This sends the club through to the quarter-final on the away goals rule.

July 2019

Rashford signs a new contract on July 1, keeping him to the club until June 2023. There is an option to add a further year to the deal.

April 2020

On April 21, Rashford sheds light on the tough time he had under Mourinho. “It was tough but I think when you look back on it in five or six years, they’re the moments that give you that mental toughness,” he told the Utd Podcast.

“As an all-round player I’ve improved a lot and a lot of it is down to those two years under Jose. We had ups and downs. When I look back at it, it was a tough period but definitely a period that made me a better player.”

October 2020

Rashford scores his first United hat-trick in a 5-0 Champions League win vs RB Leipzig. Only the second hat-trick ever scored by a United substitute with the first being scored by his manager Solskjaer in 1999.

February 2021

He makes his 250th appearance vs West Ham. Rashford becomes the fourth youngest player to reach that milestone for United.

October 2021

Following Euro 2020, Rashford undergoes shoulder surgery and only returns to football on October 11. When he does come back, it takes some time for his form to return.

November 2021

Solskjaer is sacked on November 21 after a humbling defeat at Watford. Ralf Rangnick is appointed interim manager until the end of the season. He notably warns United they need ‘open heart surgery’ to return to their past glory.

July 2022

Erik ten Hag is appointed Solskjaer’s successor.

December 2022

After a good start to the season, Rashford’s contract is extended by a further year on December 20. However, on New Year’s Eve he is dropped for the game against Wolverhampton Wanderers after oversleeping and missing the team briefing.

Rashford shrugs that off to come on and score the winner in a 1-0 victory at Molineux.

May 2023

Rashford scores his 30th goal of the season against Chelsea on May 25. A couple of days later, Ten Hag said: “There’s a lot of room for improvement in his game.

“I’m convinced he could score even more. I think when you take, for instance, the last 10 games, he didn’t score so many goals. I think only two or three.

“We supported him where we could, with the way of play but also in his mental mindset, so we are happy with that. But, yeah, we have to push for more and I am sure he’s capable to score 40 goals in a season, to make also for him the next step.”

At the end of the season, he was voted by the club’s supporters and playing squad as the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year and the Players’ Player of the Year.

July 2023

He signs another new contract that expires in 2028 and makes him one of the highest earners at the club.

January 2024

Rashford calls in sick for the FA Cup clash against Newport County on January 28. Earlier that week he had been spotted on a night out in Belfast.

“Marcus has taken responsibility for his actions,” a United statement read. “This has been dealt with as an internal disciplinary matter, which is now closed.”

October 2024

Ten Hag is sacked by United and is soon replaced by Ruben Amorim.

November 2024

On November 24, Rashford starts and scores during Amorim’s first game but United draw 1-1 with Ipswich Town.

December 2024

During the Europa League clash with Viktoria Plzen, Rashford is replaced on 56 minutes. Three days later, on December 15, Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho are not picked in the matchday squad to face Manchester City.

United win and before and after the game, Amorim insists no disciplinary issues are taking place. Rashford then speaks to journalist Henry Winter, two days after the Manchester derby.

He expresses his disappointment at not playing and suggests he is ready for a ‘new challenge’. He is subsequently dropped and does not play for United for the remainder of December.

January 2025

After not playing in January, Rashford is brought up in a press conference at Fulham. “It’s always the same reason – the training, the way I see a footballer should do in life. It’s every day, every detail,” Amorim responded when asked about the forward.

“If things don’t change, I will not change. It’s the same situation for every player, if you do the maximum and right things we can use every player.

“You can see on the bench we miss a bit of pace on the bench, but I would put [United’s 63-year-old goalkeeper coach Jorge] Vital before a player who doesn’t give the maximum every day.” United insist afterwards that Amorim was making a broader point and not singling out Rashford in particular.

February 2025

Rashford joins Aston Villa on loan for the remainder of the season. An option to buy is included in the deal, priced at £40m.

July 2025

Villa do not sign Rashford permanently at the end of the season and the forward becomes part of a so-called ‘Bomb Squad’ at Carrington. On July 23, United agree a loan deal with Barcelona which includes a £26m option to buy.

June 2026

On Monday, June 15, Barca allow the £26m clause to buy Rashford, to expire. Instead, they purchase Anthony Gordon from Newcastle.

As things stand, United’s preferred option is to sell Rashford permanently.