As Prince William and Princess Kate of Wales approach their 15th wedding anniversary, Fiona Cairns, the celebrity baker behind their stunning eight-tier cake, recounts her firsthand experiences from the event.
A Ringside Seat at Westminster Abbey
Fiona Cairns describes the surreal atmosphere inside Westminster Abbey on the wedding day. “I couldn’t quite believe we were actually there; I still can’t, when I think of it,” she says. “We were surrounded by so many famous people – the Beckhams, Guy Ritchie, so many others… it was surreal. I can remember the anticipation. There were big screens inside, and we could hear the excitement from outside. It was history and we were part of it.”
A few days after the ceremony, Catherine inquired about her view: “Could you see? Did you have a good view?” Fiona replied affirmatively, noting how thoughtful the question was.
The Life-Changing Phone Call
Weeks before the wedding, Fiona’s husband Kishore, her business partner at the time who passed away four years ago, received the pivotal call. “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 recalls.
Known for their fruit cakes, the couple had joked about the possibility of a royal commission. Despite initial reservations about the pressure, they eagerly accepted the opportunity.
Meeting at Clarence House
In January 2011, Fiona, already supplying Fortnum & Mason and Party Pieces—run by Kate’s parents Carole and Michael Middleton—was invited to Clarence House the following month. The meeting felt like an informal chat over tea in a small room, attended by Kishore and James Middleton.
“She was extremely clear about what she wanted; she is very creative, and we knew that the brief very much came from her and William, because even though it was going to be a huge global occasion, at its core, it was a family wedding,” Fiona explains.
Personal Notes and Cake Details
William and Kate shared detailed ideas, including specifications for 17 varieties of 900 sugar flowers such as roses, ivy, lily of the valley, and sweet William. Fiona preserves their original list and handwritten Post-It notes with comments, describing them as deeply personal.
Post-wedding feedback confirmed the cake surpassed expectations. “We could relax then, because that’s all that matters, isn’t it? I was just delighted that everything had come together,” she says. Princess Kate demonstrated a clear vision throughout the process.
Business Growth and Lasting Admiration
Since the April 29, 2011, wedding, Fiona’s brand—marking its 40th anniversary this year—has expanded from 75 to 130 staff. It now supplies Waitrose, Harrods, Selfridges, and Dunnes Stores in Ireland, with a new online shop for handmade cakes and treats.
Fiona expresses profound respect for the couple’s growth into their roles as future monarchs and parents of three. “They have had challenges, but they are so exemplary and have grown into their positions. I have huge admiration for them,” she states. “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.”
