A slice of Queen Elizabeth’s wedding cake, dating back 77 years, recently fetched over $3,000 at an auction. The lucky buyer, Gerry Layton, plans to indulge in this historic treat by flambéing it in rum. This slice, a remnant from the 1947 royal wedding, is a rare find and one of the last pieces known to exist.
Layton, who also owns a portion of King Charles and Princess Diana’s wedding cake, expressed his intention to savor this unique confection during a replica state banquet aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia for his upcoming 65th birthday celebration. Despite the cake’s age, Layton is undeterred and aims to enjoy it in grand style.
Originally in the possession of Chief Petty Officer F Lownes, who served in the Royal Navy, the slice of cake has a rich history. Passed down through generations, the cake eventually ended up at an auction, where it was acquired by Layton. The slice was sold in its original box, accompanied by a heartfelt letter from Queen Elizabeth herself, expressing gratitude for the delightful wedding present.
Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip’s wedding cake was a towering masterpiece, standing at 9 feet tall and weighing a hefty 500 pounds. Adorned with intricate decorations representing the couple’s favorite pastimes and both families’ coats of arms, this cake was a symbol of grandeur and tradition.
The wedding cake was not just a culinary marvel but also a gesture of generosity, with 2,000 slices served to guests and additional portions donated to charities and organizations. The preservation of some slices over the years has made them sought-after collectibles, with one piece selling for thousands of dollars at a Christie’s auction in 2013.
As Layton prepares to partake in a piece of history, the allure of consuming a slice of Queen Elizabeth’s wedding cake resonates with royal enthusiasts and collectors worldwide. The blend of nostalgia, tradition, and culinary curiosity encapsulated in this slice of cake symbolizes the enduring fascination with royal weddings and the timeless allure of royalty.
While the act of consuming a decades-old cake may seem unconventional to some, for Layton, it represents a unique opportunity to immerse himself in a bygone era and create a memorable experience that intertwines history and gastronomy. As he plans his elaborate birthday celebration aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia, the slice of cake will serve as a centerpiece, embodying the enduring legacy of a historic union.
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