Dunkin’ may not officially fuel the British royal family, but the doughnut chain has found a sweet way to celebrate royal weddings. Twice, Dunkin’ released its special “Royal Love Donut” to mark two high-profile unions. The first launch was in 2011 for Prince William and Catherine Middleton’s wedding, and the second followed in 2018 for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s ceremony. These limited-edition treats stood out for their unique design, fitting for occasions involving royalty.
The heart-shaped doughnuts featured symbolic details in their design. A jelly-filled center represented a life of happiness, while white frosting on the William-and-Kate version symbolized a traditional wedding gown. Dunkin’ sold these celebratory doughnuts during the week leading up to each wedding. On the wedding days, some shops even opened early for dedicated fans who wanted to enjoy themed sweets while watching the live ceremonies. In 2018, Dunkin’ took things a step further with a royal-themed promotion, parading a horse-drawn carriage through Central Park in New York. The carriage, adorned with Dunkin’s signature orange-and-pink colors, made a splash. For an added touch of celebrity, a cast member from The Real Housewives took the inaugural ride.
For those hoping for another Royal Love Donut, there’s little reason to wait. Both of Princess Diana and Prince Charles’s sons are now married, and it may take years before the next royal generation ties the knot. Adding to the uncertainty, Dunkin’s British-born CEO, who spearheaded the creation of these limited-edition treats, has since retired.
Fans of royal-themed desserts, however, can still turn to other options inspired by British wedding traditions. The Battenberg cake, a pink-and-yellow sponge cake wrapped in marzipan, originated at the 1884 wedding of Princess Victoria and Prince Louis of Battenberg. This cake is now a classic addition to English tea menus. Another royal favorite, mint chocolate chip ice cream, became trendy after being served at Princess Anne and Captain Mark Philips’s wedding in 1973. Today, it’s a staple at ice cream parlors and supermarkets alike. Even fruitcake, often reserved for holiday tables in the U.S., had its royal moment as the dessert centerpiece for Charles and Diana’s grand 1981 wedding reception.
While Dunkin’s Royal Love Donuts remain a sweet memory, there are plenty of other regal treats to indulge in.
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