It was a decade ago when Fiona Cairns faced the daunting task of creating the eight-tier fruit cake for Prince William and Kate Middleton’s royal wedding. As the royal couple’s wedding cake maker, Cairns found herself in a unique situation, having to navigate unexpected hurdles in transporting the massive cake to Buckingham Palace.
Recalling the moments leading up to the grand event, Cairns shared her experience in a documentary released ahead of William and Kate’s 10th anniversary. She vividly described the challenges faced by her team, including the need to dismantle a door at Buckingham Palace to wheel in the 3-foot tall, 99-kilogram creation.
During the final touches on the cake, the Queen herself made a surprise visit to check on the progress. Known for her dry humor, the Queen couldn’t resist making a cheeky remark about the door removal, to which Cairns responded with grace, assuring Her Majesty that it was only temporary.
Collaborating closely with Kate Middleton, Cairns highlighted the Duchess’s clear vision for the cake design. Kate’s active involvement in the consultation process ensured that her preferences and ideas were seamlessly translated into the final masterpiece. With up to 900 sugar flowers adorning the cake, the intricate details reflected Kate’s personal touch.
The meticulous craftsmanship involved in creating the royal wedding cake took five weeks, culminating in a stunning display at the palace. Cairns emphasized Kate’s hands-on approach in the design process, underscoring the Duchess’s attention to detail and specific requirements for the cake.
As per tradition, William and Kate preserved the top two tiers of the cake for the christenings of their future children, symbolizing continuity and family traditions. Additionally, the couple opted for a second cake, a chocolate biscuit creation by McVitie’s Cake Company, chosen by William for their wedding reception.
Reflecting on her experience, Cairns expressed admiration for Kate’s decisive role in shaping the wedding cake’s design, emphasizing the Duchess’s unwavering vision and active participation throughout the consultation sessions. The collaborative effort between Cairns and Kate resulted in a masterpiece that captivated guests and viewers alike.
Looking back at the royal wedding milestone, the intricate details of the cake and the Queen’s playful interaction with the cake maker added a touch of humor and warmth to the grand occasion. Cairns’s recollection of the challenges and triumphs in creating the iconic cake for William and Kate’s wedding serves as a testament to the artistry and precision involved in royal culinary traditions.
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