Today, The Duke of Edinburgh visited Westminster Abbey, where he joined faith leaders from across the country for a Coronation Big Lunch.
Making its royal debut, the Duke brought a Coronation Quiche from Buckingham Palace – the staple dish that has been chosen to mark the Coronation. Flavoured with spinach, broad beans and tarragon, it was personally chosen by The King and Queen as the celebratory dish, similar to Coronation Chicken for Elizabeth II’s Coronation in 1953.
Prince Edward heard from attendees how they intended to spend the Coronation weekend.
The recently-titled Duke of Edinburgh was joined by Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury, and The Great British Bake Off judge and Big Lunch ambassador, Dame Prue Leith.
The Bake Off judge even gave the new quiche her stamp of approval, stating the the dish is ‘absolutely delicious’ and praised the dish for being ‘seasonal’.
She added how ‘there was no soggy bottom, the custard was not overcooked and dry, and the balance of tarragon was perfect – a really good quiche.’
Reminiscing about the Big Lunch for the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, Dame Prue said that ‘people really were out in the streets and there were tables full of every kind of national dish you could think of’.
‘That’s what Britain’s supposed to be about. The whole point of this lunch is community and talking to other people. If cooking stresses you out, don’t do it. You can always walk around the supermarket and collect lots of delicious things.’
The Dean of Westminster, Dr David Hoyle, who hosted the event in the Abbey’s cloisters, said: ‘The Coronation is a moment when nations and Commonwealth can celebrate a shared history and imagine what renewed loyalties might achieve. It is a moment of celebration, but it is also a time to focus on the bonds of affection that bridge all difference.
‘With Their Majesties The King and The Queen Consort we know that difference in diversity makes us stronger.’
Honoured to welcome the most inspiring guests at our @wabbey #CoronationBigLunch today. Thank you to faith leaders (who supported in their dozens!), @PrueLeith, @JustinWelby, the Dean of Westminster & HRH The Duke of Edinburgh for sharing a meal with us.@RoyalFamily @TNLComFund pic.twitter.com/T8u7MXKJBG
— Eden Project Communities – #CoronationBigLunch 🎉 (@edencommunities) April 18, 2023
will see neighbours, communities and friends come together to host and attend the Coronation Big Lunch. Not only are the Big Lunches hoping to mark the Coronation but also act as a chance for people to make new connections and friends where they live, raising community spirits as part of this occasion.