Queen replaces banquet with a buffet

Instead of a grandly laid wedding feast, Prince Charles will make do with a modest buffet.

Published on: Apr 1, 2005, 17:46:00 IST

PTI | By Anonymous, London

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Instead of a grandly laid wedding feast, Prince Charles will make do with a modest buffet as ordained by the Queen.

"The Queen feels it 'inappropriate' to have an over-the-top reception", Daily Mail quoted a source as saying.

Candlelit tables adorned with flowers in a sit-down banquet shall not be the high point in Prince Charles' wedding . Neither is the Queen in favour of the celebratory Champagne which she wishes to replace with Californian Cuvee Napa.

The Queen's insistence on such a low-key reception for her eldest son and the heir to the throne signals her discomfiture over the idea of his marriage to Camilla Parker Bowles.

She has decided to boycott the civil wedding ceremony at Windsor Guildhall on April 8, believing it will desecrate the 'mystique' of the monarchy.

Over 700 guests are expected to attend the religious blessing at Windsor Castle afterwards, though, followed by a reception in the State Apartments.

Charles was hoping the wedding feast would be a grandiose affair organised by his favourite former valet Michael Fawcett. Their plans included dozens of round tables decorated by candles and flowers. The prince had also hoped the menu would include organic food from his Highgrove estate.

The Queen, however, reportedly opposed the proposals. She decided to assign the arrangements to the Lord Chamberlain Lord Luce and her Master of the Household, Air Vice-Marshal David Walker.

The guests will now be offered simple finger buffet prepared by Buckingham Palace kitchen staff as the largest banquet table at the castle can take only 170 diners.

The people incharge however are trying to cover up Queen's stand by insisting this was the possible option considering the blessing wasn't being held until 2.30pm and the newlyweds plan to leave for their honeymoon in Scotland at around 6pm.

"It would be the wrong time of day for a sit-down dinner," Daily Mail quoted one of the aides as saying.

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