As Prince William and Princess Kate approach their 15th wedding anniversary, Fiona Cairns, the baker behind their iconic eight-tier cake, recounts her firsthand experiences from the wedding day at Westminster Abbey.
A Surreal Day at the Abbey
Fiona Cairns recalls the electric atmosphere inside the Abbey. “I couldn’t quite believe we were actually there; I still can’t, when I think of it,” she says. Surrounded by celebrities like the Beckhams and Guy Ritchie, she watched the historic event unfold on big screens amid cheers from the crowds outside.
Days later, Catherine inquired about her view: “Could you see? Did you have a good view?” Fiona responded affirmatively, touched by the Princess’s thoughtfulness.
The Life-Changing Call
Weeks prior, Fiona’s late husband Kishore received the pivotal call selecting their bakery for the royal cake. “I still get goosebumps thinking about that moment, because it’s a phone call that potentially changes so much. It’s not just a huge honour, but stress on another level,” Fiona reflects.
Known for fruit cakes, the couple had once joked about the pressure of a royal commission, but they eagerly accepted.
Meeting Kate and the Creative Brief
In January 2011, Fiona and Kishore met Kate at Clarence House for an informal chat over tea, joined possibly by James Middleton. Kate presented a clear vision for the cake, emphasizing its personal, family-oriented nature despite the global spotlight.
William and Kate shared detailed ideas through handwritten Post-It notes on a list specifying 17 varieties of 900 sugar flowers, including roses, ivy, lily of the valley, and sweet William. “It was very special. I still have the couple’s original list, and all the little handwritten Post-It notes that came back with their comments, which I keep private. It felt very personal to them,” Fiona notes.
Post-Wedding Success and Growth
After the April 29, 2011, ceremony, feedback confirmed the cake surpassed expectations, bringing immense relief. Fiona’s business expanded from 75 to 130 staff, securing deals with Waitrose, Harrods, Selfridges, and Dunnes Stores in Ireland, plus a new online shop.
Fiona admires the couple’s growth into their roles as future monarchs and parents. “They have had challenges, but they are so exemplary and have grown into their positions. I have huge admiration for them,” she says. “We feel hugely privileged to have been a very small part of the very beginning of their marriage and their journey. It was one of the most special, precious memories of my life.”
