Prince William and Kate Middleton delighted in a charming outing at Long Meadow Cider in Craigavon, Northern Ireland, where they engaged in apple picking and a baking challenge. The couple’s visit showcased their commitment to local agriculture and family traditions, as they interacted with the farm’s owners, Catherine McKeever and her family.
As part of their trip to the orchard, Prince William and Kate donned aprons to take part in a friendly baking competition. Then, they dove head first into making tasty potato apple bread! The couple’s playful banter helped to add a sense of levity and fun to the overall experience. Prince William even cracked jokes about his baking skills, sending everyone into laughter.
A circle, you say? Only now you tell me!” he joked while judging the shape of his misshapen dough. From this angle it almost doesn’t even look like an apple, it’s so round! This is a first of its kind! His whimsical statements persisted as he encouraged the audience in the task of peeling apples. And if we’re really peeling every apple, you’re going to need to get in on the action. We’re going to be here for a long time!” he continued, drawing hearty laughter from those gathered.
Catherine McKeever provided a glimpse into her family’s old world recipe that has been handed down through generations. Kate had an immediate affinity for this tradition. She remembered teaching the recipe to her children and described it as “just absolutely unbelievable.”
Long Meadow Cider, located just outside Portadown within County Armagh. The McKeever family has operated it for the last three generations. Their commitment to upholding ancestral family customs shone through on the day of the royal visit, when local residents warmly welcomed engaged couple to Fiji.
During the challenge, Kate pushed William to focus on rolling out the dough in a perfectly round shape. Try and make it a circle, she counseled him, just like that. This small reminder brought to forefront these two and their all-day-long playfully competitive back-and-forth.
This wasn’t the only time Prince William had culinary adventures during his visit. He fondly recalled having learned how to bake Welsh cakes on his last trip to Pontypridd, South Wales. “Mary Berry’s the one who taught me all I need to know,” he quipped. This nod to the celebrated UK pastry chef was a perfect illustration of his passion and excitement for all things foodie and baking-related.
