In a delicious slice of royal trivia that has finally come to light, it's been revealed that Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, enlisted one of the culinary world's most elite talents for her most important day. The chef behind the private evening reception of her 2018 wedding to Prince Harry was none other than Clare Smyth MBE.
Smyth, a trailblazer in the gastronomic scene, holds the prestigious title of being the first and only woman to helm a three-Michelin-starred restaurant in the UK—Core in London's chic Notting Hill. Her involvement adds a layer of world-class sophistication to the already globally watched event.
The connection was a personal one. The Duchess, known for her refined taste, was already a devoted admirer of Smyth's exquisite and locally sourced cuisine. Choosing her for the wedding catering was a conscious decision to support a fellow female pioneer at the top of her field.
This royal endorsement is the pinnacle of a staggering career. Clare Smyth, who hails from Northern Ireland, trained under the legendary Gordon Ramsay for over a decade before launching Core in 2017. Her restaurant quickly became a sensation, earning its third Michelin star in a record-breaking timeframe and cementing her status as a global hospitality icon.
The menu for the intimate evening event at Frogmore House, while kept discreetly private, would have undoubtedly reflected Smyth's signature style: elegant, sustainable British produce transformed into edible art. It was the perfect, personal touch for a couple known for breaking with tradition and championing excellence.
