The Prince of Wales has taken on the Women’s Institute on baking cakes and walked away smiling.

The heir to the throne was chatting with WI members in Sunningdale, Berkshire when he decided to tell them how best to make a brownie.

The WI’s members are known for its baking prowess but that didn’t deter Prince William who had very definite views on what makes a good brownie – as the Princess of Wales warned their hosts before he started speaking.

”William is very fussy about brownies” Kate warned as the two of them tucked into freshly made cakes.

Her husband then proved her point as he asked ”do you put nuts in them?”

When told no, he seemed pleased, saying ”never put nuts in a brownie”. The Princess had clearly had that conversation before, noting ”I had to learn the hard way’.

The royal revelation came as the Prince and Princess of Wales spent time with the WI to talk about Queen Elizabeth II on the third anniversary of her death.

Her Late Majesty was a lifelong supporter of the WI and a member for 80 years. She was also president of her local branch at Sandringham between 2003 and 2022.

The Prince and Princess heard about the importance of Queen Elizabeth II’s involvement with the organisation and met some of those who had spoken with the late Queen.

They also heard about the WI’s role as a safe space for women to share stories and activities and to support one another and their local communities.

King Charles III spent the anniversary quietly at Balmoral with Queen Camilla. It’s also three years since the start of his reign but it is understood His Majesty is passing the day in reflection for his mother.

Queen Elizabeth II died at 3.10pm on September 8 2022 at Balmoral. She was 96 and had reigned for 70 years, the longest reign in British history.