Westminster auxiliary Bishop Paul McAleenan joined the Duke of Edinburgh, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dame Prue Leith, Sir Tim Smit and others at a multi-faith Coronation Big Lunch at Westminster Abbey, hosted by Dean of Westminster Dr David Hoyle.
The faith leaders were invited to come together to share friendship and food at Westminster Abbey as the final preparations are being made for the Coronation weekend on 6-8 May.
Dr Hoyle added: “We know that difference in diversity makes us stronger.”
Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby said, “When we share a meal, we see how much we have in common with others. Food is a major part of all faith traditions – it brings people together. For Christians, we remember that Jesus shared meals with so many different people because he knew it was a way of breaking down barriers. The diversity of our country – with all its different cultures and religious communities – is one of our great strengths. So my sincere wish is that everyone will enjoy the Coronation Big Lunch: have fun, relax, celebrate, reach out to your neighbours and make new friends.”
Bishop Paul McAleenan at the Coronation Big Lunch at Westminster Abbey.
Duke of Edinburgh Prince Edward arrived at the event with a spinach, broad bean and tarragon quiche that had been baked in the Buckingham Palace kitchen. The “coronation quiche” is a recipe recommended by King Charles III and Queen Camilla for Coronation Big Lunches taking place across the UK over the weekend.
Dame Prue Leith is an ambassador for The Big Lunch and Sir Tim Smit is co-founder of the Eden Project where the idea for The Big Lunch originated. At the Coronation Big Lunch at the Abbey, they spoke about the positive social impact of bringing people from different backgrounds together and urged them to join the thousands across the UK by encouraging and organising Coronation Big Lunch events in their communities on 6-8 May in an act of friendship and celebration to foster a moment of unity.
Leith said, “Everyone knows I can’t resist an invitation that involves delicious food, so to come together with these wonderful people over such a lovely menu was a delight. These very prestigious guests represent some of the diversity we see in our communities, and coming together today highlights that everyone is welcome at The Big Lunch table where they can meet and make new friends and share food with each other, whilst being part of a moment in our history. There is still time to rustle something up, the key ingredients are simple. Get everything you need at CoronationBigLunch.com.”
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