It may have been all that sickly-sweet love in the air, what with the fairytale romance (or the hideously indulgent waste of taxpayers’ money, depending on your politics) set to unfold at Westminster Abbey.

That, and the fact our annual ‘Barbecue Summer’ actually happened this year, several months ahead of schedule.

As the mercury soared and we all got hot under the collar for our future king and queen, chocolate sales were in meltdown over the key Easter trading period.

“Everyone got hammered over Easter,” one top confectionery source told The Grocer last week – and he wasn’t talking about those of us who pre-emptively toasted the royal lovebirds a few too many times.

“Two weeks prior to the weekend, we saw the first of the good weather and instantly saw a significant dip in like-for-likes.” He warned that sales for some were down 20%.

For Thorntons, we learnt today, they were down 22.8%. Falling sales in its own stores are well documented, but the confectioner was quick to point to the hot weather as the main factor in a broader slowdown.

Chief executive Jonathan Hart warned that profits could dive from more than £6m last year to as little as £3m.

Hart, who says his strategic review of Thorntons is coming along nicely, joined the business last year in a bid to inject more retail expertise. But a high street veteran can’t control the weather – just like even the sternest parents can’t stop certain ginger-haired princes from ogling certain shapely bridesmaids in front of billions of TV viewers.

Hart must be hoping the sizzling chemistry between Harry and Pippa at the wedding isn’t an omen of another steamy Easter next year.

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