Mauve flowers, rare meat and uncooked shellfish are some of the things Queen Elizabeth does not want to experience on her official visit to South Africa. Spicy foods are also out, as are carnations of any colour. And the royal party does not want local mineral water - a supply has been sent from Britain.
These are just some of the items on a list of the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh's dislikes and preferences which was reportedly given to the five-star Sheraton Hotel in Pretoria and Durban's Royal Hotel where the couple are staying.
When it comes to protocol, hotel staff have been advised that a slightly bowed head is all that is required as a greeting in the morning.
A spokeswoman for Buckingham Palace said: "I cannot comment on the validity of this list."