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Prince Harry tries chicken and waffles for the first time at Melba’s in Harlem
By Emily Smith
September 24, 2021 | 7:29pm
Enlarge ImageThe Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrive at Melba’s for lunch.North Woods / BACKGRID
Prince Harry dined on the beloved soul food dish chicken and waffles for the first time at famed Harlem eaterie Melba’s.
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Melba’s in Harlem.Paul Martinka
Harry and wife Meghan Markle stopped by Melba’s — the 114th Street restaurant owned by Harlem legend Melba Wilson — on Friday after visiting elementary school PS 123.
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Meghan Markle and Prince Harry leave Melba’s in Harlem.JosiahW / BACKGRID
A fellow diner at the restaurant said the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were served Southern fried chicken and eggnog waffles, spring rolls, catfish, collard greens and yams.
The onlooker said, “Harry said it was the first time he’d ever tried chicken and waffles and remarked it was delicious.”
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Harry and Meghan inside Melba’s.
The onlooker added Harry also said collard greens were already a family favorite, because Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland, often makes the dish for the couple.
The Sussexes also spent some time chatting with Melba about the non-profit City Harvest — New York City’s largest food rescue organization — which takes food that would otherwise go to waste from restaurants and distributes it to food programs in the city.
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Harry and Meghan inside Melba’s.
The Post had earlier reported that Melba’s customers said the couple’s surprise appearance at the restaurant was almost enough to make them choke on their chicken.
“When they first pulled up, it was maybe two SUVs. My boss was like, ‘What’s going on?’ and I very distinctly remember thinking, ‘Whatever, it’s probably some rich person, no reason to stop eating.’ Then he said ‘It’s Prince Harry and Meghan!’”
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Harry and Meghan inside Melba’s.
Another patron sized up the duo’s large order and told Markle, “I hope you didn’t eat too much for breakfast,” making her laugh.
The owner of the restaurant, Melba Wilson, told The Post the couple was “so kind” and that she’s grateful they stopped by.
“They’re shedding a light in our community of Harlem during a tough time,” Wilson said, noting the duo heard about the restaurant through “word of mouth.”
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Harlem restaurateur Melba Wilson.Getty Images
The restaurant later announced on Twitter that Prince Harry and Markle vowed to donate $25,000 to support the restaurant amid citywide COVID-19-fueled food industry struggles.
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“It was such an honor to welcome Prince Harry & Meghan, the Duke & Duchess of Sussex to Melba’s! The team and I are so thankful for their visit and commitment to donating $25k & hope to welcome them back soon. #sweetpotatopiehugs ,” it tweeted.
Prince Harry tries chicken and waffles for the first time at Melba’s in Harlem
By Emily Smith
September 24, 2021 | 7:29pm
Enlarge ImageThe Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrive at Melba’s for lunch.North Woods / BACKGRID
Prince Harry dined on the beloved soul food dish chicken and waffles for the first time at famed Harlem eaterie Melba’s.
Enlarge Image
Harry and wife Meghan Markle stopped by Melba’s — the 114th Street restaurant owned by Harlem legend Melba Wilson — on Friday after visiting elementary school PS 123.
Enlarge Image
A fellow diner at the restaurant said the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were served Southern fried chicken and eggnog waffles, spring rolls, catfish, collard greens and yams.
The onlooker said, “Harry said it was the first time he’d ever tried chicken and waffles and remarked it was delicious.”
Enlarge Image
The onlooker added Harry also said collard greens were already a family favorite, because Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland, often makes the dish for the couple.
The Sussexes also spent some time chatting with Melba about the non-profit City Harvest — New York City’s largest food rescue organization — which takes food that would otherwise go to waste from restaurants and distributes it to food programs in the city.
Enlarge Image
The Post had earlier reported that Melba’s customers said the couple’s surprise appearance at the restaurant was almost enough to make them choke on their chicken.
“When they first pulled up, it was maybe two SUVs. My boss was like, ‘What’s going on?’ and I very distinctly remember thinking, ‘Whatever, it’s probably some rich person, no reason to stop eating.’ Then he said ‘It’s Prince Harry and Meghan!’”
Enlarge Image
Another patron sized up the duo’s large order and told Markle, “I hope you didn’t eat too much for breakfast,” making her laugh.
The owner of the restaurant, Melba Wilson, told The Post the couple was “so kind” and that she’s grateful they stopped by.
“They’re shedding a light in our community of Harlem during a tough time,” Wilson said, noting the duo heard about the restaurant through “word of mouth.”
Enlarge Image
The restaurant later announced on Twitter that Prince Harry and Markle vowed to donate $25,000 to support the restaurant amid citywide COVID-19-fueled food industry struggles.
–– ADVERTISEMENT ––
“It was such an honor to welcome Prince Harry & Meghan, the Duke & Duchess of Sussex to Melba’s! The team and I are so thankful for their visit and commitment to donating $25k & hope to welcome them back soon. #sweetpotatopiehugs ,” it tweeted.
