Royal fanatic Gerry Layton nabbed the royal cake at auction. Credit: PerthNow
Some people keep photographs, others cherish yellowed letters—and then there are those who hold on to a slice of cake that’s now 77 years old and well past its prime. It might sound like a joke, but that’s the curious fate of a dessert that has survived through eras and generations: a ten-centimeter-high, uniced slice, preserved in a box decorated with the silver initials “EP,” has just been sold at auction for £2,000 (about €2,300).
The reason for such a high price? That piece is a remnant of the majestic wedding cake served at the marriage of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip of Greece, celebrated on November 20, 1947.
The 10,000-mile cake
The original cake, standing 2.7 meters tall and weighing over 225 kg, was nicknamed “the 10,000-mile cake” due to its ingredients coming from all over the Commonwealth: sugar from Australia, rum from Jamaica, flour from Canada. It was made by McVitie & Price and cut by Prince Philip with his ceremonial sword. From that masterpiece, 2,000 slices were served to guests, and hundreds more were sent to charities around the world.
“I want to eat it. I’ll flambé it in rum.”
The now-famous slice sold at auction was originally given to Chief Petty Officer F. Lownes of the Royal Navy, who received it during the reception at Buckingham Palace. Never eaten, it was passed down through his family until now. The new owner, 46-year-old Gerry Layton—a British entrepreneur and royal memorabilia collector—has announced that he intends to eat it for his 65th birthday, flambéing it in rum to “kill any bacteria.” The event is set to take place aboard the historic Royal Yacht Britannia, during a party that promises to be as eccentric as it is regal: “I’ll cut off a third and flambé it in rum,” Layton said.
“If anything happens to me, at least I’ll go out in style".
Layton is no stranger to such adventures: he already owns a slice of Prince Charles and Princess Diana’s wedding cake, as well as one from Princess Anne’s 1973 wedding to Mark Phillips, purchased for £320 (€370).
In short, this is no longer just dessert—it’s a piece of history. The fascination with the British monarchy continues to captivate collectors and enthusiasts alike.
https://bakingbusiness.com.au/man-buys-queen-elizabeth-iis-wedding-cake-to-eat-on-birthday/