Sunday, April 10 2005 12:17 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

London: Two dabbawallas from Mumbai were among 800 royal guests from across the globe who attended the blessing of Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles today (Apr 10, 2005) shortly after the heir to the British throne wed his long-time partner in a private civil ceremony.

Raghunath Medge, 48, and Sopan Mare, 55, from Mumbai had received invitations from the British High Commission to attend the royal wedding. Buckingham palace sent all expenses-paid invitations to the two tiffin carriers to attend the marriage.

The duo brought with them a box of homemade sweets and tri-colour greeting card for the newly wed couple.

On March 14, the Mumbai Tiffin Box Supplier's Association (MTBSA) had sent gifts for Charles and Camilla comprising a Puneri Pheta (a turban from Pune) for the groom and a traditional green saree and a pair of Kolhapuri sandals for the bride.

The famous tiffin carriers, who each day deliver about 1.5 lakh home-cooked lunch boxes to office goers and students all over Mumbai city, had attracted the attention of Prince Charles during his visit to the city a few years ago.

An ecstatic Megde had earlier said, "It's a huge honour for us and all the dabbawallas in Mumbai. When we met him in 2003, the prince was warm and affectionate, but we honestly never expected an invitation to the wedding. To say that we are touched would be an understatement."

More said that he was "taking with me the blessing of entire India. I am representing my people and wish Prince Charles a happy and joyous marriage. He has our blessings."