Royal Zap

As a prince, I’ve always believed that true leadership means living authentically and pursuing what sets your soul ablaze. For me, those flames are sparked by two lifelong passions: culinary arts and photography. These crafts aren’t just hobbies—they’re the heartbeat of my story, rooted in childhood experiences and shaped by a desire to create, connect, and inspire.

My love for culinary arts began in a small Pennsylvania neighborhood, where a young Brandon Washington set up a humble lemonade stand. With a rickety table and a pitcher of tangy, hand-squeezed lemonade, I discovered the joy of creating something from scratch and sharing it with others. That simple stand was my first taste of entrepreneurship, where neighbors’ smiles and spare change taught me the value of hard work and community. Years later, this spark led me to culinary school, where I dove into the art and science of food. My drive wasn’t just about mastering recipes—it was personal. Living with type 1 diabetes, I wanted to understand nutrition deeply to manage my health while still celebrating the flavors I love. Culinary school became my laboratory, where I learned to craft dishes that nourish both body and spirit, balancing creativity with the discipline my condition demands.

Photography, my other great passion, has been a lifeline since childhood. It’s in my blood, passed down from my grandfather, Latham, whose stunning photographs captured the world’s beauty—from bustling markets to serene landscapes. His images, tacked up in his study, were my first window to far-off places. They inspired me to pick up a camera and see the world through a lens, finding beauty in the everyday. Photography became my way to cope, a quiet refuge where I could process life’s challenges and freeze moments of joy. Whether it’s the vibrant hues of a Miami sunset or the intricate details of a perfectly plated dish, my camera helps me tell stories. My dream is to travel as my grandfather did, collecting images for a photo book that shares my vision of a connected, beautiful world.

Both passions—culinary arts and photography—are more than creative outlets; they’re my path to building a meaningful life. I’m now studying business, eager to learn the trade of turning my loves into a livelihood. Whether it’s selling digital prints of my photography on my platform, TheRoyalZap.com, or serving heritage-inspired plates at pop-up stalls, I want to share my creations with the world. My goal is to build a brand that reflects my values—community, creativity, and resilience—while honoring my heritage and vision as America’s first prince.

But dreams like these thrive with support, and that’s where you come in. I’m inviting my community to join me on this journey. Your support can help me grow TheRoyalZap into a platform where art and flavor unite to inspire. Please consider making a donation at theroyalzap.com/make-a-difference. Together, we can build something extraordinary—a legacy of creativity, connection, and purpose. Let’s make it happen!