King Charles gifts ‘hot chocolate’ Christmas cake to pupils near Castle of Mey
It’s a Christmas cake fit for a king – and it should be, as it was a gift from Charles himself.
Baked by Castle of Mey cook Jenny Dunnet, the festive feast will be shared by children and pupils at Scallywags early learning centre and Crossroads Primary School.
The cake tradition began when the late Queen Mother used to donate a cake to the nearest school to her holiday home at the Castle of Mey. The gesture was continued by Prince Charles, who has maintained the annual gift to Crossroads Primary since becoming the monarch.
The pupils were delighted to receive this year’s “fantastic” Christmas cake from King Charles. The school explained that the beautiful cake was made and decorated by Jenny Dunnet, who designed it as a big mug of hot chocolate then decorated it with a wonderful selection of gingerbread men and meringues.
The cake was presented by the children to the community at their well-attended coffee and carols afternoon held on Tuesday at the Mey Hall, where it was admired by family, friends and members of the public.
The cake has now been cut up and given out to the pupils, along with a gingerbread man each, after their school Christmas party with Santa on Thursday.
Lynne Swanson, acting head teacher, said: “We are so fortunate to have been gifted this wonderful cake and to be able to continue the long-standing friendship with the Castle of Mey and King Charles.
“Our pupils are incredibly lucky to have this close and heartfelt connection with their community.”
