Royal Family News
Harry and Meghan Opt for Bowl of Food Over Sit-Down Breakfast at Wedding Reception
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's upcoming wedding is set to break from tradition in many ways, including their choice of food at the reception.
Instead of a sit-down breakfast, the couple has opted for a trendy bowl of food for their 600 guests.
The mini main courses will be served by the Queen's Kitchen staff and presented by waiters and waitresses in St George's Hall at Windsor Castle.
Bowl of food has become increasingly popular at business events because it encourages guests to mingle and network while eating.
It is a somewhat surprising choice for a royal wedding, but Harry and Meghan hope that it will make the occasion less formal and allow them to move around the room greeting as many guests as possible.
The lunchtime reception will last around two and a half hours and include speeches and cutting of the cake.
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Guests will also feast on knapes, which have been crafted to be consumed in just two delicate bites.
The Queen is officially hosting the event and Buckingham Palace staff have revealed that the menu will comprise classic dishes made from seasonal British produce, much from the monarch's own estates.
Harry and his bride-to-be have personally tasted and selected their wedding reception menu.
They apparently visited Windsor Castle to sample menu suggestions in the Great Kitchen, which dates back to the reign of the 14th century monarch Edward III.
The kitchen is believed to be the oldest working kitchen in the country, having served more than 30 monarchs.
Chef Mark Flanagan is leading the 30-strong catering team and has been working closely with the couple to ensure that the menu reflects their tastes and values.
Flanagan said, “The day of the wedding has fallen very kindly for us, all the British vegetables are just coming into season and that's been a point of focus for us.
We know the couple wanted us to make sure we used all of the local seasonal produce as much as possible throughout their menu, and this recent good weather is really helping us to achieve that.”
Flanagan is a keen foodie who used to run her own lifestyle website, which featured her favorite recipes and restaurants.
She also shares a love of organic produce with her future father-in-law, Prince Charles.
Mr. Flanagan would not discuss the dishes in detail, but produce such as asparagus, peas, and tomatoes are in season, providing a wealth of options for the chef, who has worked with some of the world's best, including Michelle and Albert Roux.
Over the next few days, staff will start washing and peeling vegetables to save time for presentation.
A separate dinner for 200 is being held at Frogmore House by the Prince of Wales later in the evening.