Potato royale - a PR masterclass

French royal Marie Antoinette famously promoted the potato during the 18th century, by wearing potato blossoms in her hair. But why?

The royals were introduced to the potato by French chemist Antoine August Parmentier, who had a penchant for potatoes and a real skill for Public Relations.

Parmentier had served as a soldier and been taken prisoner during the Seven Years War. During his captivity he was fed only potatoes, and on his return home Parmentier made it his mission to popularize the tuber, hitherto much dismissed by his countrymen.

After publishing his 1773 thesis, "Inquiry into nourishing vegetables that at times of necessity could be substituted for ordinary food", Parmentier was invited to court and brought a bouquet of potato flowers to the birthday of King Louis XVI. The King accepted the gift, deftly placing the flower in his lapel.

The king's wife, Queen Marie Antoinette, later wore the potato blossoms in her hair, and potato flowers quickly became a fashion among the aristocracy, just as potatoes became a staple for the poor.