The Coronation Big Lunch that put communities at the heart of an historic event

It’s been part of big royal celebrations in Britain for centuries and as King Charles III was crowned, the street party took on a new lease of life.

The historic event was celebrated by the Coronation Big Lunch which saw people across the country come together to share food and company to mark this special moment.

It was part of the Big Lunch initiative which unites communities every year in big and small gatherings. Queen Camilla is its patron.

There was hands on royal support for several of the lunches.

The Prince and Princess of Wales surprised community members in Windsor as they joined a Big Lunch on the Long Walk at Windsor. They chatted with well-wishers and took selfies as they mingled in the crowd. 

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh attended a street party in Cranleigh, Surrey and tried some Coronation chicken pie before meeting with representatives from the Royal British Legion, the Scouts, and the Guides. 

Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie attended a Coronation Big Lunch together as well in Chalfont St Giles, Buckinghamshire. 

The Princess Royal and her husband, Sir Timothy Laurence also attended a Big Lunch in Wiltshire. They joined residents in Swindon for tea and cakes as the celebrations continued.

And just ahead of the Coronation, the Duke of Edinburgh tried out the special meal created for the crowning of his brother. Communities were encouraged to make a Coronation quiche which celebrated the flavours of a spring vegetable garden. Prince Edward took a royal produced version along to a special Coronation lunch at Westminster Abbey.