Giapo ‘Royal Pavlova’ fit for duke, duchess

AUCKLAND: As if enough decadence hasn’t already followed the Duke and Duchess of Sussex on their tour Down Under, one Kiwi dairy company has decided to create a ‘‘Royal Pavlova’’ in their honour.

Aucklandbased icecream business Giapo has concocted a dessert combining the classic pavlova and their own boutique ice cream — and it’s fair to say they’re fairly pleased with the results.

‘‘Antipodean excitement about the Duke and Duchess of Sussex journeying their way around Down Under has been skilfully immortalised in ice cream by Giapo and his talented team working from their downtown kitchen,’’ the business said in a statement.

‘‘We’d say that this royal combo deserves its own regal title!’’ the statement said.

The desert is described as ‘‘marrying a classic Kiwi dessert, local seasonal fruit and a fitting touch of gold’’.

The creation features two cones sidebyside, apparently representing Harry and Meghan’s recent nuptials, and the announcement of their impending baby.

The cones are then topped with what Giapo calls a ‘‘New Zealand summer pavlova, all dressed up for the Royal occasion’’.

The pavlova is piped on, topped by ice cream and then a crown of local blueberries and strawberries, some of which are covered with 24carat gold leaf. Strewth.

However, Giapo may have some high standards to live up to, even despite all their opulence.

The royal couple’s wedding caterer, Clare Smyth, was on October 1 awarded a muchcoveted two stars in the 2019 Michelin guide for Great Britain and Ireland.

The royal couple arrive in Wellington tomorrow and will be in the country for five days.

They will travel to Abel Tasman National Park on Monday and to Auckland on Tuesday, before heading to Rotorua.

Crayfish, paua and beef are all on the menu for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex when they dine at Government House next week. — NZME