Meghan's VERY unorthodox afternoon tea: Friend reveals Duchess served him avocado toast on silver plates, Sandringham truffles and a cuppa at Kensington Palace - but royal fans are NOT impressed by the 'bland' snack

  • Duchess of Sussex hosted her make-up artist for afternoon tea over the weekend
  • Pregnant Meghan is thought to have invited Daniel Martin to Kensington Palace
  • Daniel shared a photo of the spread served by the 'consummate hostess'
  • Enjoyed black tea, 'Sandringham' truffles and avocado toast on silver plates

The Duchess of Sussex's make-up artist revealed the unorthodox spread served by the royal when he joined her for afternoon tea over the weekend. 

Pregnant Meghan, who is expecting her first child with Prince Harry this spring, is understood to have invited US-based beauty guru Daniel Martin for an intimate catch-up at Kensington Palace while he was in London

The pair enjoyed black tea, posh 'Sandringham' coffee truffles and slices of avocado toast served on silver crockery. 

Daniel, who was responsible for Meghan's wedding make-up:, delighted fans by sharing a snap of the spread, writing: 'Back to our Tig days... 

'Thank you Meghan for being the consummate hostess this weekend and still being the #avocadotoast whisperer, YUM! #foodie #foodiegram.'

While many fans were impressed by the 'down to earth' Duchess' choice of snack, others claimed the avocado toast looked 'bland'.

American make-up artist Daniel Martin shared a photo of the afternoon tea served by the Duchess at Kensington Palace. The pair enjoyed black tea, Fortnum and Mason's 'Sandringham' coffee truffles and smashed avocado toast, served on silver plates

American make-up artist Daniel Martin shared a photo of the afternoon tea served by the Duchess at Kensington Palace. The pair enjoyed black tea, Fortnum and Mason's 'Sandringham' coffee truffles and smashed avocado toast, served on silver plates

Trusted advisor: Meghan asked Daniel to do her make-up for the royal wedding in May last year, pictured. The pair are understood to have met and grown close over several years

One commented: 'I'm surprised there isn't any chopped red onion and diced pimento in there to give it some colour and taste. These look very bland to me!' 

Another pointed out the unusual take on afternoon tea, writing: 'I thought hi-tea in London must have scones.'

The photo features the sort of stylish 'flat lay' that was once commonplace on Meghan's Instagram account and now defunct blog, The Tig. 

Both Meghan and Daniel tucked into two modest slices of seeded toast smothered in avocado, washing them down with cups of tea apparently served without milk. 

Behind the scenes: Daniel Martin, pictured, who did Meghan's wedding day make-up, offered a rare look at the private life of the Duchess of Sussex with his photo of afternoon tea 

Behind the scenes: Daniel Martin, pictured, who did Meghan's wedding day make-up, offered a rare look at the private life of the Duchess of Sussex with his photo of afternoon tea 

Gushing: Daniel, a long-time friend of the Duchess, shared details of the casual meet-up on his Instagram account, describing Meghan as the 'consummate hostess' 

Gushing: Daniel, a long-time friend of the Duchess, shared details of the casual meet-up on his Instagram account, describing Meghan as the 'consummate hostess' 

Etiquette expert offers his take on Meghan's afternoon tea

MailOnline columnist and etiquette expert William Hanson said: 'Smashed avocado on toast is not usually seen on tea menus, in hotels or private houses, so it is a somewhat unusual choice. 

'Avocado is usually seen on breakfast or brunch menus; nowadays it is very much a morning food. 

'However, I am a great believer in the "your house, your rules" school of thought so if HRH The Duchess of Sussex wishes to serve it at her teas then good luck to her. 

'I’m sure it was followed up with a delicious granola and hemp vegan scone.'

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Fittingly, the chocolates are Fortnum and Mason's £13.95 Sandringham Coffee Truffles, which were served directly from the royal retailer's distinctive blue box. 

The crockery was elegantly mismatched, with a brushed blue ceramic tea pot and cup sitting in contrast with the formal scalloped edged silver saucer and side plates. 

Daniel, who has known Meghan for a number of years, discreetly shared details of the afternoon tea's venue by geo tagging his Instagram post 'London, United Kingdom'. 

Uninspired: Some fans were left unimpressed by the Duchess' choice of 'bland' avocado toast

Uninspired: Some fans were left unimpressed by the Duchess' choice of 'bland' avocado toast

It suggests the photo was taken at the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's Kensington Palace residence.

The photo offers a rare, intimate look at the Duchess' life behind palace walls. It suggests she still finds ways to enjoy private and relaxed moments with friends.  

Daniel has previously spoken publicly of the products he used to create the royal's radiant looks. 

Thrilled: Others praised the 'down to earth' Duchess for whipping up a snack herself

Thrilled: Others praised the 'down to earth' Duchess for whipping up a snack herself

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