The intense world of the NFL might seem worlds apart from the royal traditions of the British monarchy, but a closer look reveals a shared love for heartwarming rituals, particularly during the holiday season. While touchdowns and tackles dominate the gridiron, the royal family has its own cherished traditions, and one involves a dessert that held a special place in the hearts of young Prince William and Prince Harry – meringue.
Carolyn Robb, former head chef at Kensington Palace for Prince Charles and Princess Diana, shared with Town & Country that meringue was a beloved treat for the young princes. “When Prince William and Prince Harry were young, we’d do Christmas baking and that,” Robb recalled. The meringue recipe from her cookbook, Christmas at the Palace, was likely their favorite.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(1112×362:1114×364)/The-Princess-of-Wales-arrives-at-the-Nottingham-Medical-Centre-with-her-sons-William-and-Harry-121824-82c9b254fe6c4b13b62250424c4bc8ba.jpg)
Robb emphasized the joy of family cooking, particularly during Christmas. “Christmas is the time of year when everybody can get in the kitchen and cook as a family,” she stated. “I always think it’s really good fun to do that with children.” This sentiment resonates with many NFL families who gather for holiday meals and create their own traditions, strengthening bonds and creating lasting memories. Just as football teams rely on teamwork and camaraderie, the royal family’s shared cooking experiences fostered a sense of togetherness.
This culinary tradition extends beyond the holiday season. Robb’s snowflake meringue recipe, featured in Country Living, offers a versatile treat that can enhance any dessert table. The delicate, airy texture of meringue symbolizes the lightness and joy often associated with celebrations, whether it’s a Super Bowl victory or a royal gathering. Much like a perfectly executed play on the field, creating these intricate meringue snowflakes requires skill and precision, resulting in a rewarding and visually stunning creation.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(742×469:744×471)/Princess-Diana-Prince-Harry-and-Prince-William-051424-aee38f15bd7d43a59d86c7fb9e973886.jpg)
The tradition of baking continues with the younger generation of royals. Prince William’s children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, have been involved in baking, notably creating cupcakes for Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee. This passing down of culinary traditions mirrors the legacy and mentorship often seen in the NFL, where veteran players guide and inspire the next generation of athletes. The love for baking, like the passion for football, transcends generations.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s son, Prince Archie, received a waffle maker from Queen Elizabeth, highlighting another shared family enjoyment in the kitchen. On The Late Late Show, Prince Harry shared that Archie loves waffles and often requests them for breakfast. The waffle maker, a symbol of warmth and family breakfasts, becomes a connection point, much like the shared experience of watching an NFL game brings families and friends together.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(999×0:1001×2)/prince-george-5-c2d0b904d9a64070b4e1f077b60a1509.jpg)
From meringue to waffles, the royal family’s culinary traditions demonstrate the importance of shared experiences and creating lasting memories. While the NFL thrives on competition and athleticism, the shared love for food and traditions creates a common ground between these seemingly different worlds. Just as NFL fans gather for tailgates and home-cooked meals during game day, the royal family’s culinary traditions emphasize the significance of togetherness and creating a sense of belonging. These traditions, much like the enduring appeal of the NFL, are passed down through generations, fostering a sense of continuity and shared heritage.
