This is the one native Australian food Meghan Markle refused to try during Melbourne lunch
An apprentice chef at the restaurant said that Meghan was being understandably cautious, given her pregnancy
FROM playing netball to embracing fans, Meghan Markle has proved she is usually keen to get stuck in during royal engagements.
But the Duchess of Sussex, 37, is said to have refused to eat a native Australian food during a lunch this week.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry were invited to Melbourne-based restaurant Charcoal Lane to try some of the nation’s native cuisine on Thursday.
The royals were given a “touch, taste and smell” experience, and apprentice chef Brooke Warr, 20, said Meghan declined to try one of the tasty treats.
Brooke told : “With the finger limes, they're like little caviars. When you eat it in your mouth it pops and the flavour is beautiful.
“It was optional if they wanted to taste it. Harry did but Meghan didn't. She was smelling it, but that's understandable because she's pregnant and being cautious.”
Finger limes are a spiny Australian citrus that are used to garnish meals, and provide nutrients like vitamin E and folate.
Program manager Troy Crellin revealed that Prince Harry also passed up the chance for one of the delicacies on the menu.
He said: “Harry tried some [of the ingredients] but he wasn't game to try the pepper leaf, which is what we tend to give to the naughty kids anyway. It's a little bit hot.”
WHEN IS MEGHAN MARKLE'S BABY DUE?
- The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will welcome their first child in spring 2019.
- While a due date has not yet been confirmed, speculation has it around late March or early April.
- It has been confirmed that Meghan had had a successful 12-week scan, meaning her baby could be due around St George's Day on April 23 - which is the birth date of Prince Louis.
Typically the leaves are used to add flavour to meats, breads, cheese and pastas – similar to pepper.
The royal couple are said to have sampled food such as chargrilled kangaroo, wild boar, saffron risotto and barramundi.
The restaurant is supported by Mission Australia, which aims to provide accredited training programs for young people who face challenges with employment.
Mission Australia CEO, James Toomey, said: “At Charcoal Lane, we are passionate about celebrating Aboriginal history and providing students with a culturally safe space to express their individual identities and overcome any challenges they may face on their journey to employment.
“Our program not only provides training and real work for young locals, but also fosters a sense of cultural and community pride which we are proud to have shared with Their Royal Highnesses.”
They were greeted with hugs and flowers as they arrived in Dubbo just days after announcing they were expecting their first child in spring next year.
Meghan is said to have told royal fans she was "running on adrenaline" as the couple fit in 76 engagements in 16 days.
The Duke of Sussex said he and his wife "could not think of a better place to announce the upcoming baby" than Australia.