In 2016, not lengthy after I gained the sixth sequence of The Nice British Bake Off, I used to be contacted by e-mail to see if I’d bake
a cake for Her Majesty’s ninetieth birthday. At first, I assumed it was a hoax, nevertheless it was like a fairy story.
Seeing the Queen in individual and baking for her was weird to me. I assumed the method of making the Queen’s birthday cake would include a number of tips, however I used to be given just one rule: don’t make a fruitcake, as they are often powerful to chop by means of. I lastly settled on a triple-tiered orange drizzle marmalade cake; a spin on my lemon drizzle cake with lemon curd. It was recent and zesty with a nod to a basic Victoria sponge.
At occasions, I discovered making the cake overwhelming. It was such a special day that I hesitated over many facets, from concepts and flavours, to baking and adorning. In the long run, it took me 4 days.
On the morning of the massive day, its separate elements had been picked as much as be assembled on the venue and I waved it goodbye from my entrance door in my pyjamas and slippers.
Then, I bought prepared to fulfill the Queen at Windsor Citadel. I used to be going to put on a costume, however the forecast stated it was going to be
windy, so I opted for black trousers and an informal khaki inexperienced blazer with a press release necklace to complete the outfit off. Forward of the assembly, I used to be reunited with my deconstructed cake for the ultimate meeting. I used to be informed there was no protocol aside from that I’d solely shake the Queen’s hand if she provided it to me – I assumed there can be so many extra guidelines.
Assembly the Queen was really fairly relaxed. A bunch of us stood in line and he or she spoke to every of us. She stated hey and shook my hand, then we had been ushered in direction of the cake. I handed her the cake knife, she reduce a slice and a definite aroma of orange got here by means of immediately. Prince Philip came to visit, the Queen launched me and stated,
‘That is the younger woman who gained the baking competitors.’ Prince Philip requested me what flavour the cake was. I informed him, then they moved on and I used to be whisked away to be interviewed. The Queen didn’t get an opportunity to attempt the cake, nevertheless it was reduce up and shared. It was a special occasion that I will always remember.”
