For any business, clients don't come much more A-list than the British royalty, something celebrity chef and French pâtissier Eric Lanlard knows all too well. He's been baking his famous cakes for the royal family and many other celebrities for years – so when he was asked to get involved with the Queen's 90th birthday celebrations, he couldn't refuse.
Eric teamed up with Tesco to produce a very special cake to celebrate Her Majesty's milestone, taking inspiration from Britain's longest serving monarch herself.
Eric Lanlard on This Morning with Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall
Speaking exclusively to HELLO! Online, Eric explains: "We wanted to make the cake very festive and in keeping with some of the outfits Her Majesty wears, so it had to be pale colours. That's how we came up with white chocolate on the outside and a dark chocolate layer on the inside. But to make it interesting when the cake was cut we added the two pink layers. It's the first time I've been involved in such a partnership but it went very smoothly."
One of Eric's past clients was the late Queen Mother – and he remembers her very specific tastes all too well. He continues: "We did a few cakes for her and it was always chocolate and raspberries. It was always an extra request to get Scottish raspberries, which were very difficult to source. I don't believe they make a difference, but the Queen Mother was a very easy customer to deal with."
Eric's Cake Fit for a Queen in association with Tesco
More than 17 years ago Eric was asked by David and Victoria Beckham to create a Manchester United-themed cake for son Brooklyn's first birthday, and he was understandably very excited.
Eric says: "You can't stop yourself from doing a little dance in the office before replying to the request! It was very interesting. All those years ago 'brand Beckham' wasn't as big as it is today, of course. Victoria was still a Spice Girl and David still played for Manchester United, and that's what was on the cake. We've done cakes for them since, but it's always interesting for me when I see a picture of Brooklyn grown up."
And, because his cakes are so delicious, Eric has many celebrity fans to recommend his work. When Elizabeth Hurley got married in 2007, Eric was asked to make the cake – thanks to Elton John and David Furnish raving about his work to her.
"It's always nice when people share their good experiences," Eric adds. "Or, even better, when they come back for more. I really appreciate return orders because most of the time you don't get feedback."
The limited edition Tesco finest Cake Fit for a Queen is available in selected stores until 16 June.