A chef has spoken out about his experience serving Prince Harry and Meghan Markle food - even detailing a comment the Duchess made about her pregnancy cravings. The revelation emerged after the couple paid a visit to one of their preferred haunts in Vancouver, Canada, as part of their trip for the Invictus Games. The loved-up Sussexes ate at Indian restaurant Vij's - an eatery they have dined at before - when Meghan told owner and head chef Vikram Vij that during her pregnancy Indian food was a major craving she experienced. "Meghan said that during her pregnancy, she had eaten only Indian food and I told her it was the best thing for her!" he told Hello magazine.
The couple took friends Michael Bublé, 49, and his wife Luisana Lopilato, 47, with them to share the meal, and the owner was clearly thrilled to have such high-profile guests in his establishment, saying: "They are amazing, extremely beautiful, and very friendly.". Vikram also revealed that after Meghan told him just how much she enjoys cooking herself, he gave her an apron from his restaurant during her visit. Writing on Instagram about the A-list visitors, Vikram said: "When food brings people together, magic happens! We were honored to once again welcome Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, Michael Bublé, and Luisana Lopilato for another unforgettable evening at Vij’s.
"Sharing great conversation, incredible flavors, and the joy of coming together - this is what dining is all about...A special night made even more meaningful as we celebrate the opening of the 2025 Invictus Games - a powerful tribute to resilience, courage, and the human spirit.". Michael Bublé introduced Harry onstage at a welcome party for this year's Games - which for the first time includes winter spots - and briefly sang himself.
After Harry had taken centre stage he joked about Meghan, "Now she is going to sing" - while Meghan demured to take the mic and sing a few notes, she was visibly tickled by the joke and laughed. While they were dining at Vij's, Harry opted for a rack of lamb accompanied by mint, and a prawn pasta dish caught Meghan's eye. Once they had finished, the Sussexes and their famous pals took the time to go back to the kitchen and thank the staff for their meal, where they posed for some pictures.
Harry and Meghan have visited the restaurant at least once before, back in 2024, when they also took some snaps with the staff. They aren't the only royals who Vikram has cooked for over the years, however, with the top chef also getting the opportunity to prepare some food for Kate and William back in 2016 when they visited Canada. William and Kate were visiting the Taste of British Columbia whilst conducting an official royal tour when they had the opportunity to taste some of Vikram's creations. Taking inspiration from their 2011 wedding menu, Vikram made them Wine-Marinated Lamb Popsicles in Fenugreek Cream Curry - per Hello magazine - and even gave Kate a copy of his recipe book so she would have the opportunity to try out some of his dishes herself at home.
Kate has admitted more recently she loves cooking curries at home, but because her husband can't really handle the heat, she often adds extra spice for herself at the end, so his dish isn't too spicy - William joked in response that if he eats too much spice he starts "sweating" and it is "unattractive". Do you have a story to tell? Email: emma.mackenzie@reachplc.com. Get our daily royal round-up direct to your inbox.
