BEST OF THE REST
SECRETS OF THE ROYAL KITCHENS Channel 5, 9pm
FINGER sandwiches cut into four with no crusts, strawberries – only if they’re in season – and absolutely no garlic.
The Queen knows what she likes and the chefs in the royal kitchens ignore the rules at their peril.
This series is a light-hearted glimpse into the workings of the royal household, this time peeking into the royals’ eating habits, past and present.
Chefs reveal insights that will feed the fascinations of anyone who loves the royals. Did you know for example that the Queen likes eating her dinner on a tray watching telly?
We find out about a close shave in the kitchen for a young Prince Harry and a giant pot of boiling water, as well as the political storm that erupted over Meghan and her love of avocados.
Meanwhile, in news of a bygone era, Queen Victoria enjoyed a huge breakfast, including lamb chops, potatoes, eggs and bacon. Says one biographer: “She really went for it.” JAPAN WITH SUE PERKINS BBC1, 9pm/ BBC1 Wales 10.35pm “I FEEL like an ornate sausage roll,” says Sue (pictured above, centre). She has dressed up in a kimono and full make-up as a geisha in a traditional tea house.
It’s a compelling insight into a world we have many prejudices about and Sue is not afraid to ask some challenging questions. Are the geisha rich men’s playthings? Or is this just a culture for entertainment?
Sue gets involved with drinking games and some discussion of British pies and is surprised to find a very gentle, respectful world.
Elsewhere, Sue spends the day diving for shellfish in an area famous for its seafood.
Next stop is Hiroshima, where she meets Mr Tetushi, an 84-year-old survivor of the atomic blast of World War Two.
And, back in Tokyo, Sue visits an agency where lonely people can hire actors to play loved ones for special occasions and finds out about ‘marriage hunting’ which is hoped to end Japan’s celibacy crisis.