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'Even Amitabh was not invited'

Last updated on: April 13, 2005 10:21 IST

They likened their relationship with Prince Charles to the one between Lord Krishna and his friend Sudama.

As soon as news of the Prince's wedding reached them, Mumbai's dabbawallas sent him giftsª-- Turban for Charles and a sari for Camilla Parker Bowles, the bride.

Touched by the gesture, Charles invited them to the royal wedding.

Two representatives, Raghunath Medge and Sopan More, are back in Mumbai after attending the wedding at St George Chapel, Windsor Castle, on April 9.

Medge, the president of the Nutan Mumbai Tiffin Box Suppliers Charity trust, shares his experience with rediff.com.

Raghunath Medge"We reached the Heathrow Airport, London at 2.30ªpm on April 8. Ranjit Phillipose, manager of Crown Plaza hotel, came to receive us at airport. They gave us a royal treatment. From the airport they took us to hotel. Ranjit told us that Ratan Tata had called him up, and instructed to arrange everything for us.

They then took us for shopping in a famous store of England where I purchased a suit for myself. My friend Sopan bought a traditional Indian dress for himself.

The next day, Oliver Brind, head of development, The Prince of Wales Charitable Foundation, took us to theªmarriage venue from the hotel.

Many rich people were there. All the men were wearing suit and the ladies were wearing hats. We saw a lady in a Sari. She also noticed our dress and recognised that we were Indians.

She came up to us, and introduced herself. She was the Maharani of Jaipur, Padmini Devi.

Only three Indians were attended the wedding, the Maharani and us.

Padmini Devi took us to the prince, and introduced us to the royal family. She also played the interpreter. We were introduced to Queen Elizabeth, Prince Charles, Camilla Parker Bowles, Prince William, Prince Harry and also Bowles' children.

We spent 10 minutes with the royal family.

The Queen acknowledged and admired our gifts, which we had sent in advance. She thanked all the dabbawallas in Mumbai.

It was our third meeting with prince, he was very happy. Photography was not allowed at the function.

Raghunath Medge and Sopan MoreOur hotel was close to the palace. Brind also took us to Windsor Castle, were we saw an amazing collection of historical weapons.

The palace was very big and nobody was allowed access to all parts of palace for security reasons. We visited the place where the prince stays, with the help of Brind.

There was a church inside the palace. After the wedding, the prince and Camilla went to the church.

It was an unforgettable movement.

The next day, we visitedªa place where the majority ofªresidents are Indians. They were very happy to see us; some of them even took us to their homes and gave us Indian food.

They said though they had lived in the UK for many years, they had never seen the queen.

Only selected people attended the wedding. On the day of the wedding, Amitabh Bachchan was in Engand, but even he was not invited.

We feel very proud to have attended the wedding."

(Raghunath Medge spoke to Senior Correspondent Vijay Singh in Mumbai)

Vijay Singh in Mumbai