The Duke of Edinburgh meets faith leaders at Coronation Big Lunch event

His Royal Highness was welcomed to the Abbey by the Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, and was joined by guests including the Most Reverend and Rt Hon Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury, and faith leaders from across the country for the relaxed celebration ahead of the Coronation of Their Majesties The King and The Queen Consort on 6th May.

The Duke brought with him a spinach, broad bean and tarragon quiche baked in the Buckingham Palace kitchen to share with guests, who also enjoyed food from a specially designed Coronation menu from the Abbey's Cellarium Café. The quiche is a recipe recommended by The King and The Queen Consort for sharing tables at Coronation Big Lunch events which will be held in communities across the UK over the Coronation weekend.

Dame Prue Leith, an ambassador for The Big Lunch, and Sir Tim Smit, Co-founder of the Eden Project where the initiative originated, spoke to guests about the positive social impact of bringing people from different backgrounds together, and encouraged them to join the thousands of communities organising Big Lunch events from 6th – 8th May.

Dr Hoyle, who hosted Tuesday’s 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.'

The Big Lunch was started by the Eden Project in 2009, is made possible by The National Lottery, and has been supported by Her Majesty The Queen Consort as Patron since 2013.

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