What Was Harry and Meghan’s Wedding Cake? A Delicious Look at Their Royal Choice
When you think of royal weddings, the details often include stunning attire, beautiful venues, and, of course, the wedding cake. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding cake was a delicious lemon elderflower creation made by baker Claire Ptak. This cake stood out not just for its flavor but also for its unique design, which broke some royal traditions while still reflecting the couple’s love story.

The cake was crafted using 200 Amalfi lemons and 500 organic eggs, showcasing a vibrant and refreshing taste. It was a nod to their backgrounds and preferences, combining elegance with a personal touch. The flavors selected were different from what is typically expected at royal weddings and added to the enchanting atmosphere of the day.
If you’re curious about how this delightful creation came to be, the story goes beyond just ingredients. You’ll discover how the couple chose Claire Ptak, who is known for her commitment to organic ingredients. Get ready to dive into the making of a cake that had everyone talking!
The Choice of the Royal Wedding Cake

For their wedding, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle chose a refreshing Lemon Elderflower Cake. This cake stood out from traditional royal cakes, which often feature rich fruit flavors.
The couple selected Claire Ptak, a well-known baker and owner of Violet Cakes in London, to create their cake. Claire focused on using organic ingredients to make the cake not only delicious but also sustainable.
The design of the cake was unique. It consisted of three tiers, adorned with about 150 fresh flowers, including British peonies and roses. This choice reflected their desire for a modern yet elegant wedding.
By opting for a Lemon Elderflower Cake, Harry and Meghan brought a fresh twist to royal wedding traditions. It was a delightful option that many couples admired.
This cake was more than just dessert; it symbolized their personal touch and commitment to a more casual and friendly celebration. Choosing this flavor showed how they wanted to connect with their guests in a warm and inviting way.
Symbolism and Significance

The wedding cake of Harry and Meghan was more than just a sweet treat; it carried deep meaning through its design and ingredients. From the choice of flowers to the thoughts behind the flavor, each element was carefully chosen to reflect their values and heritage.
Floral Decorations and their Meanings
The cake featured beautiful fresh flowers, specifically British peonies, which symbolize good fortune and prosperity. By incorporating these flowers, the couple celebrated both their love and the beauty of British floral heritage.
The use of peonies was intentional. These flowers bloom in late spring and are often associated with romance and happiness. This choice highlighted the couple’s desire for a joyful and bright future together. The intricate designs of the flowers also added an element of elegance to the cake, resonating with the royal wedding’s grandeur.
Seasonality and Sustainability
Seasonality played a crucial role in the selection of ingredients. Choosing flowers and flavors that match the season not only enhances taste but also supports sustainable practices.
Meghan and Harry wanted their wedding cake to reflect these values. Seasonal ingredients help reduce the carbon footprint involved in transporting produce, making it a more eco-friendly choice. By using ingredients that were in season during their May wedding, they embraced a thoughtful and responsible approach to their celebration.
Incorporating sustainability into their wedding details made their special day resonate with modern values while showcasing their commitment to a better future.
Culinary Details

The wedding cake of Harry and Meghan featured unique flavors and a thoughtful baking process. This cake was not only delicious but also celebrated quality ingredients and craftsmanship.
Exploring the Flavours
You might be surprised to learn that Harry and Meghan chose a lemon elderflower cake for their big day. This blend creates a refreshing and light flavor, perfect for a spring wedding.
The cake was infused with Amalfi Lemons, known for their fragrant zest and bright taste. To enhance the cake, Sandringham Elderflower Cordial and Elderflower Syrup were added, giving it a floral finish that pairs beautifully with the lemon.
The cake layers were covered with silky Swiss Meringue Buttercream, which adds richness without being overly sweet. This combination made the cake both elegant and enjoyable, ensuring it was a standout at the reception.
Pastry Chef and Baking Process
Claire Ptak, a celebrated pastry chef, crafted this exquisite creation. Her attention to detail was evident as her team spent five days baking and icing each tier in Buckingham Palace.
To make the cake, they used 500 organic eggs sourced from Suffolk. These eggs contributed to the cake’s fluffy texture, while the commitment to food provenance ensured high quality.
Baking included the use of fresh Amalfi lemons for zest and Elderflower Cordial, showcasing the best ingredients. With every slice, guests enjoyed not only the flavors but the story behind this beautiful cake, making it a memorable part of the celebration.
Royal Wedding Cakes Through History

Royal wedding cakes have long been a symbol of celebration and tradition in Britain. From their grand designs to unique flavors, these cakes tell stories of love and heritage among the royal family.
Tradition of British Royal Wedding Cakes
The tradition of royal wedding cakes dates back centuries. These elaborate creations often feature multiple tiers, intricate decorations, and signify wealth and status.
For instance, Queen Elizabeth’s wedding cake in 1947 weighed around 500 pounds and showcased elegant designs.
Prince William and Kate Middleton also followed this tradition with a stunning wedding cake that featured a mix of fruitcake and a modern design.
Cake flavors often reflect the couple’s preferences, like the lemon and elderflower cake made by Claire Ptak for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s special day. This cake was inspired by spring and decorated with fresh flowers, served at Windsor Castle.
Groom’s cakes also play a part in British weddings. They allow a personal touch, often representing a groom’s interests or favorite flavors.
With each royal wedding, you can see how these cakes not only satisfy a sweet tooth but also connect the family to its rich history at venues like Buckingham Palace, Kensington Palace, and Sandringham Estate.
