The Real Reason Kate Middleton And Prince William Served Wedding Cake At Their Son's Christening
In the U.K., it is tradition to serve slices from the top tier of a couple's wedding cake at their child's christening, per Insider. As we know, the royal family is the epitome of age-old traditions, so it's no surprise Prince William and Kate Middleton have followed custom. The couple, who tied the knot in an extravagant ceremony in 2011, have served slices from their own custom wedding cake at all of their children's christenings, including their youngest Prince Louis.
Those who tuned into the royal wedding a decade ago may remember the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's intricate wedding cake. The eight-tiered cake was designed by Fiona Cairns and included 17 individual fruit cakes, which is a British royal wedding tradition. Cairns embellished the cake with over 15 different types of iced flowers and foliage. Safe to say, the couple had more than enough cake to save for their future children's christenings.
Prince Louis' christening took place back in 2018 at St. James' Palace in London, with several guests and family in attendance. In addition to the wedding cake tradition, he was also christened in the same Lily Font as his royal ancestors have been since 1841. According to Insider, the water used to baptize Prince Louis was from the River Jordan. Keep reading to find out why wedding cake is an important ode of honor and symbolism at christenings.
The top tier of a wedding cake represents good luck and prosperity
In the U.S., it's not uncommon for newlyweds to save the top tier of their wedding cake to later enjoy on their one-year wedding anniversary. In the U.K., however, wedding cake is typically enjoyed on the first wedding anniversary and at the christening of their first child (via Brides magazine). Prince William and Kate Middleton have decided to carry on this British tradition with each of their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
Moriah Michelle, a cake boutique owner in Colorado, told Brides that the reason British couples are able to preserve their cake for so long is because fruit cakes "preserve exceptionally well." The article went on to explain that "there's sentiment and the superstition of good luck and prosperity" to revisiting your wedding cake a year or so later. Specifically, the British wedding cake christening tradition is filled with symbolism and celebration of welcoming a child into your holy union.
Freezing a cake for a year, let alone seven years, takes a lot of precision (and plastic wrap). Be sure to speak with your wedding cake retailer about proper storage if this tradition interests you.