Duke of Sussex to attend curry lunch in aid of armed forces charities

The Duke of Sussex is to join soldiers for a curry lunch to help raise money for three armed forces charities.

Harry will attend the 12th annual Big Curry Lunch hosted by the Lord Mayor of the City of London on Thursday.

The event has raised more than £1.9 million since 2008 to support soldiers and veterans who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan.

This year’s lunch is organised in aid of the ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity and the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund.

The Duke of Sussex spent 10 years serving in the armed forces, ending operational duties in 2015.

During his service he conducted two tours of duty to Afghanistan with the Army.

Former and currently serving soldiers and officers will sit down for a buffet curry lunch in the Guildhall’s Great Hall on Thursday.

Each year they are joined by MPs, defence ministers, City professionals, business leaders and charity supporters.

Part of the proceeds from the lunch will help fund veterans to take part in a programme that helps them manage pain and find work.

Edward VII Hospital’s Centre for Veterans’ Health has developed the six-month programme specifically for veterans coping with chronic pain.

The duke will meet two veterans who have completed the programme and have entered employment.

Alongside meeting other guests, the head chef and musicians, Harry will view a commemorative garden designed to mark the partnership with the hospital’s pain management programme.

Also on Thursday, the Prince of Wales will open the new Waitrose & Partners’ Food Innovation Studio in Bracknell, Berkshire.

The studio is where the supermarket chain’s chefs will trial new dishes and recipes for its product range.

The retailer also develops products for the Waitrose Duchy Organic range, the food brand founded by the Prince of Wales in 1990.

Charles will meet producers involved in creating a special mincemeat set for this year’s Christmas range.