Spudman meets the Queen during Meals on Wheels Week
Ben Newman, better known to thousands online as Spudman, had a moment many food lovers would envy when he joined Queen Camilla at a local charity event in Tamworth, Staffordshire. The jacket potato seller, who has built a following online for his witty potato-focused posts, found himself side by side with royalty as the community marked Meals on Wheels Week. In a scene that mixed local charm with a royal touch, the Queen rolled up her sleeves, helped dish out potatoes, and shared friendly conversation with volunteers and guests.
A natural at serving potatoes
After the event, Spudman described the experience as a genuine highlight. “The Queen is a natural at serving potatoes,” he said. The remark has since circulated across social media, along with photos of the brief, warm interaction between the monarch and the community. The moment underscored Camilla’s approachable side and her willingness to engage directly with volunteers who support Meals on Wheels Week across the country.
Who is Spudman?
Spudman, whose real name is Ben Newman, has built a niche following by celebrating potatoes—from simple jackets to creative toppings. Hailing from Tamworth in Staffordshire, he has become a recognisable fixture at local food events and online in carousels of potato-fueled humor and recipes. His presence at the event with the Queen elevated a modest charity gathering into a moment of national interest for food lovers and charity supporters alike.
The event and its purpose
Meals on Wheels Week highlights the essential work of volunteers who deliver meals and companionship to vulnerable people. The Tamworth event brought together volunteers, community members, and a member of the royal family to shine a light on the importance of nutrition, independence, and community ties. Guests enjoyed a range of potato-based dishes and other simple, comforting foods designed to celebrate the role of home-delivered meals in improving quality of life for older and isolated individuals.
Royal involvement and public reception
Royal appearances at charity events often draw attention to the causes they support, but this encounter appeared to be particularly well received. Attendees described a relaxed atmosphere, with the Queen moving through tables to speak with volunteers, sharing stories about their work, and taking part in the practical tasks that keep such programs running. The moment when she served potatoes alongside Spudman became a talking point online, with fans praising the Queen’s hands-on approach and Spudman’s candid reaction to sharing the spotlight with royalty.
What this means for community charity events
While the sight of royalty at a local charity might grab headlines, the broader takeaway is the continued importance of grassroots support. Meals on Wheels Week relies on volunteers and small-scale fundraisers to sustain operations and reach people who benefit most from home-delivered meals and social interaction. The Queen’s participation, paired with Spudman’s viral moment, helps amplify those messages and may inspire more people to volunteer or contribute to similar causes across the country.
Looking ahead
As communities reflect on this event, organizers are likely to highlight the collaborative spirit that made it memorable. For fans of Spudman, the moment adds another chapter to his online persona—as someone who connects everyday passions with real-world impact. For the Royal family, it reinforced the narrative of accessibility and service that resonates with many in the UK who value community care and nourishment as a shared responsibility.
