High tea goes down a treat at castle in ‘joyful celebration’

Larnach Castle owner Margaret Barker pours some bubbles for Liam and Jacqueline Sparrow during a...
Larnach Castle owner Margaret Barker pours some bubbles for Liam and Jacqueline Sparrow during a special high tea at the castle on Saturday ahead of the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla. PHOTO: STEPHEN JAQUIERY
A castle ballroom provided the ideal location for Dunedin’s royal enthusiasts to celebrate the crowning of King Charles III and Queen Camilla on Saturday.

A "right royal"-themed high tea was held for 60 people at Larnach Castle ahead of the coronation to celebrate the historic event.

Castle marketing and public relations manager Deborah Price said tickets had sold out fast, with people keen to celebrate the first coronation in 70 years.

"It was a very joyful celebration.

"People that attended really go into it and just enjoyed the sense of occasion, even if it was not in England," she said.

Castle owner Margaret Barker had proposed a toast to the King, which was a highlight of the event.

A printed portrait of the King was on show, along with Union Jack flags and bunting.

Staff had done very well, creating a "massive" Victoria sponge cake decorated as a Union Jack with strawberries and blueberries that got a big clap as it was wheeled around the the ballroom, she said.

Coronation chicken sandwiches were served as a nod to the menu at the late Queen’s coronation, along with more modern food.

Numbers for the event were limited so that everyone could sit at one long table down the ballroom in English street party style.

Many guests dressed up for the occasion, and some wore fancy hats or tiaras to mark the occasion.

People appreciated being a part of history, and photos from the day would be stored in the castle archives for people to look back on in 50 years, she said.

"It’s something that’s very historical, a moment in history that will be remembered."

fiona.ellis@odt.co.nz

 

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