London: A celebratory lunch at Windsor to mark the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth's reign has been marred by a row over the guest list, with campaigners criticising the invitation to monarchs from countries like Bahrain and Swaziland with allegedly poor governance record.
The Queen was joined at the table by 26 kings and queens from around the world, while Queen Sofia of Spain declined the royal invitation due to a dispute over fishing rights off Gibraltar, a UK territory claimed by Spain.
Among the guests is King Hamad al-Khalifa of Bahrain, whose attendance has been criticised by human rights campaigners, but the Buckingham Palace said that the Foreign Office approved the invitation of King Hamad.
The Foreign Office said it was having "a full and frank discussion on a range of issues" with Bahrain government.
London: A celebratory lunch at Windsor to mark the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth's reign has been marred by a row over the guest list, with campaigners criticising the invitation to monarchs from countries like Bahrain and Swaziland with allegedly poor governance record.
The Queen was joined at the table by 26 kings and queens from around the world, while Queen Sofia of Spain declined the royal invitation due to a dispute over fishing rights off Gibraltar, a UK territory claimed by Spain.
Among the guests is King Hamad al-Khalifa of Bahrain, whose attendance has been criticised by human rights campaigners, but the Buckingham Palace said that the Foreign Office approved the invitation of King Hamad.
The Foreign Office said it was having "a full and frank discussion on a range of issues" with Bahrain government.
The lunch will be followed by an evening banquet, hosted by the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall.
The menu at the royal lunch is reported to be "British-inspired".
For starters, the royals are being treated to a tartlet of poached egg with English asparagus.
This will be followed by a main course of new season Windsor Lamb with braised potatoes, artichokes, peas, carrots, broad beans, cabbage, and a tomato and basil salad.
Kent strawberries and vanilla Charlotte will conclude the meal, with dessert fruit and cheese also on offer.
PTI
First Published: Friday, May 18, 2012, 21:49