Taking pity on the famously sartoriously challenged couple of Prince Charles and Camilla, Bombays dabbawallahs (tiffin carriers) have decided to join their lunch money and get the couple some spiffy threads.
They are pooling money to buy a traditional Indian headdress for Prince Charles and a sari, blouse and bangles for Camilla for their 8 April wedding. It is considered auspicious in Maharashtra state to give a green nine-metre silk sari with a traditional zari border and green bangles to a bride to wish her luck. Zari is a type of thread made of fine gold or silver wire woven into fabrics.[BBC]
Interestingly, while a nine-meter sari may be auspicious, the tiffin carriers have decided to get Camilla one only 2/3rds that length. Is this a snark on her much derided femininity? Desi cheapness coming out? Nope – it’s consideration:
“Camilla may face problems wearing a long sari, so we have decided to gift her a six-metre sari,” says Mr Medge.
No word as to what headdress they’re getting Prince Charles. In the past, Charles had declined to wear a ceremonial turban he was given in Haryana. His staff explained this away by saying that the prefab turban looked silly balancing on top of his ears the Prince didn’t understand the significance of the gift.
How much does it cost to buy a wedding present for the couple that has everything alot, but still less than certain britasians?
The gifts and delivery to Buckingham Palace by courier will set back the tiffin carriers $60 – and most of them will be contributing. The tiffin carriers typically earn anything between $80 and $95 a month. [BBC]
Interesting, considering the dabbawallahs probably wouldn’t think too highly of the details of Charles’ personal life.
Your article is much funnier than the original 🙂