Public with 'golden ticket' to royal wedding told to provide their own picnic lunch

Members of the public with a "golden ticket" to the royal wedding have been told to provide their own picnic lunch.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have invited 2460 people "to feel part of the celebrations" by standing in the grounds of Windsor Castle on the big day.

However, some guests have expressed their dismay after receiving a letter from the Queen's lord lieutenants, suggesting that they "bring a picnic lunch as it will not be possible to buy food and drink on site".

Those invited inside the castle walls include charity workers and others nominated for their bravery or work in the local community.

Saeed Atcha, founder of a youth charity in Bolton, Greater Manchester, told the Guardian that some of the disadvantaged people he worked with were bemused at the lack of hospitality offered by the royal family.

"They were saying, 'How come they have this money and you have to bring a picnic?' I am of the same opinion. It's unfathomable," he said.

"There's a McDonald's [nearby] but I'm not sure I'll be able to bring in a filet meal."

Kensington Palace said some "light refreshments and snacks" will be available. The wedding is due to begin at noon and be over by 1pm, but members of the public will arrive several hours earlier to pass security checks and find a prime spot close to the doors of St George's Chapel.

The 2640 crowd granted exclusive access to the grounds will comprise 1200 members of the public, 1140 palace staff, 200 people associated with the couple's favoured charities and 100 local schoolchildren.

There will be 600 guests inside the chapel, who will head to a lunchtime reception in the castle after the ceremony.