Modest tastes: Princess Margaret preferred wine to champagne and was 'not fond' of caviar

In the 1950s she was seen as one of the most glamorous figures on the world stage, but according to previously secret documents, Princess Margaret had some modest tastes when it came to food and drink.

A file containing dozens of letters detailing the Princess' likes and dislikes was among a set of colonial era documents released by the National Archives today.

The Governor of Mauritius was told ahead of Princess Margaret's visit in 1956 that she preferred "simple" meals, was "not fond of either caviar or oysters", she also preferred wine to champagne.

Several messages were sent by Sir Martin Gilliat, the Queen Mother's private secretary, which stated a wide range of Margaret's preferences ahead of her visit.

Clarence House letters said the Queen's younger sister did "not like motorcycle escorts", and would only accept gifts of books from authors who were "of reputable character".

Sir Robert Scott, governor of Mauritius, was also told:

On the issue of food, Clarence House officials wrote:

Sir Martin informed Sir Robert:

According to the file, it appears the careful planning paid off, as a message from Sir Martin to Sir Robert stated:

Intimate details of the Royal Family's dining habits are usually kept secret, but this is not the first time that the royals' dining preferences have been revealed.

In 2003, the Daily Mirror exposed the breakfast habits of the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh, who kept their cornflakes and porridge oats in tupperware boxes.