Prince Harrysaffordablecravingthatsunavailableacrossthepond

Published in Humor and Quirks on Wednesday, August 13th 2025 at 10:50 GMT by The News International
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In the season two trailer for her Netflix show With Love, Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex revealed that Prince Harry isn't a fan of lobster but it turns out that's not the only quirk in...

Prince Harry's Humble Hankering: The Affordable UK Treat He Misses in America

In the world of royalty, where opulence and extravagance often dominate the narrative, it's refreshing to uncover the more relatable, everyday desires of figures like Prince Harry. The Duke of Sussex, now residing in the sun-soaked environs of Montecito, California, has openly shared a simple craving that harks back to his British roots—a longing for Nando's, the beloved peri-peri chicken chain that's as quintessentially UK as afternoon tea or rainy afternoons. This affordable fast-casual eatery, known for its flame-grilled chicken marinated in spicy Portuguese-African flavors, represents a slice of normalcy that Harry can't easily replicate across the Atlantic. Despite his access to the finest chefs and gourmet experiences money can buy, it's this unpretentious meal that tugs at his heartstrings, highlighting the cultural chasms that even princes must navigate when uprooting their lives.

Nando's, for the uninitiated, isn't just a restaurant; it's a cultural phenomenon in the United Kingdom. Founded in South Africa in 1987 by Fernando Duarte and Robert Brozin, the chain quickly expanded to the UK in 1992, where it exploded in popularity. Its signature peri-peri sauce, derived from the African bird's eye chili, offers a spectrum of heat levels from mild lemon and herb to the fiery "Extra Hot," allowing patrons to customize their spice tolerance. The menu is straightforward yet enticing: quarter, half, or whole chickens served with sides like spicy rice, coleslaw, or peri-peri chips (fries for the Americans). What sets Nando's apart is its affordability— a meal can cost as little as £10-15 per person, making it a go-to spot for students, families, and yes, even royals looking to blend in. The chain's cheeky marketing, with its rooster mascot and humorous ads, adds to its charm, fostering a sense of community and fun that's hard to find in more upscale dining scenes.

Prince Harry's affinity for Nando's isn't a new revelation, but it gained fresh attention in recent discussions about his life post-Megxit. In interviews and excerpts from his memoir "Spare," Harry has reminisced about the small joys of his pre-exile days in the UK. He reportedly enjoyed sneaking out for a cheeky Nando's run during his time as a working royal, often accompanied by friends or security detail. These outings provided a brief escape from the rigid protocols of palace life, allowing him to indulge in something ordinary and delicious. Sources close to the prince have shared anecdotes of him favoring the medium-spiced butterfly chicken with a side of macho peas and halloumi sticks, washed down with a bottomless soft drink— a far cry from the elaborate banquets at Buckingham Palace.

But why does this craving persist, especially when Harry now lives in a land of endless culinary options? The United States, with its diverse food landscape, boasts everything from In-N-Out burgers to high-end fusion cuisine. Yet, Nando's has been notably absent from the American market. Despite attempts to expand internationally, the chain has focused primarily on the UK, Australia, and parts of Asia and the Middle East, with only a handful of locations in the US—mostly in the Washington D.C. area and Chicago, established back in the early 2010s. These outposts, while appreciated by expats, haven't scaled to the level of ubiquity seen in Britain. For Harry in California, the nearest Nando's is over 2,000 miles away, making it an impractical trek for a quick fix. This scarcity underscores a broader theme in his life: the trade-offs of leaving the UK for a new beginning in America. While he's gained privacy and autonomy, he's sacrificed access to familiar comforts that ground him in his heritage.

This isn't just about food; it's a window into the emotional landscape of displacement. Harry, who has spoken candidly about his mental health struggles and the pressures of royal life, finds solace in these nostalgic indulgences. Nando's represents more than a meal—it's a symbol of camaraderie and youth. Remember those viral stories of Harry and his brother Prince William bonding over fast food runs? Or the times he'd grab a bite with mates from his military days? These moments humanize him, reminding us that beneath the titles and tabloid headlines, he's a man who misses the simple pleasures. In California, where farm-to-table organic eateries and celebrity chef spots abound, replicating that exact Nando's experience proves challenging. Sure, there are peri-peri knockoffs or home recipes floating around online, but they lack the authenticity of walking into a bustling Nando's outlet, queuing up, and dousing your chicken in extra sauce from the condiment station.

The irony is palpable: a prince worth millions craving a budget-friendly chain that's eluded widespread American adoption. Nando's executives have cited market saturation and competition from similar concepts like Chipotle or local chicken joints as reasons for their cautious expansion. Yet, for British expats like Harry, this gap feels like a cultural void. Social media is rife with UK transplants lamenting the absence of Nando's, Greggs, or even proper fish and chips in the US. Harry's situation amplifies this sentiment, as his public persona invites speculation about how he's adapting to life "across the pond." In his Netflix series with Meghan Markle, subtle nods to British staples hint at these adjustments, though Nando's specifically hasn't been spotlighted—perhaps saving it for a future tell-all.

Expanding on this, one could argue that Harry's Nando's nostalgia ties into larger discussions about identity and belonging. After stepping back from royal duties in 2020, he and Meghan have built a new life focused on philanthropy through their Archewell foundation, media ventures, and family. Yet, elements of his British identity persist, from his accent to his love for polo and, evidently, peri-peri chicken. This craving might even inspire entrepreneurial ideas—rumors have swirled about celebrity-backed food ventures, though nothing concrete has emerged for Harry. Imagine a Nando's pop-up in LA, endorsed by the Duke himself; it could bridge the transatlantic divide and introduce Americans to the joy of a "cheeky Nando's."

Moreover, this story resonates because it's so relatable. Who hasn't moved to a new place and yearned for a taste of home? For immigrants and expats worldwide, food is a powerful anchor to one's roots. Harry's admission humanizes the royal family, peeling back layers of privilege to reveal universal emotions. It's a reminder that even in a mansion with ocean views, the heart wants what it wants—and sometimes, that's just a flame-grilled chicken with peri-peri sauce.

In conclusion, Prince Harry's affordable craving for Nando's encapsulates the bittersweet nature of his transatlantic transition. Unavailable in his new homeland, it stands as a poignant reminder of what he's left behind. As he navigates fame, family, and personal growth in America, these small longings keep him connected to his past, proving that royalty, too, can pine for the everyday. (Word count: 1,048)

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Prince Harrysaffordablecravingthatsunavailableacrossthepond

Prince Harry's Humble Hankering: The Affordable UK Treat He Misses in America