All schools are being invited to create a special menu of food to be served to the Queen and the Duchess of Cornwall at Buckingham Palace in June.

The competition is the idea of the Duchess of Cornwall, who is the wife of Prince Charles, and is her special tribute to the Queen for the Diamond Jubilee.

The contest is being launched by British Food Fortnight and the idea is to showcase the best of British food.

The top four winning schools will be invited to Buckingham Palace in June to see their menus prepared by the famous Royal Chef. The students will then help serve their winning dishes at a special Diamond Jubilee reception attended by the Queen and the Duchess of Cornwall.

Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall launched the competition last week at Nova Hreod secondary school in Swindon.

‘Cook for the Queen’ is open to ten to 15-year-olds in all primary and secondary schools in the UK. Entries close on Monday 30 April and the winners will be announced in the middle of May.

Taking part is easy. All schools have to do is design a menu fit for the Queen that celebrates the food produced in their part of the country. 

To find out more, go to www.lovebritishfood.co.uk, where you will find the entry form, plus fascinating facts about the types of food served to our Royal Family through the ages, the stories behind famous royal dishes, the history of the kitchens at Buckingham Palace and examples of menus served at spectacular state occasions.