Dame Mary Berry was surprised by a message from Prince William during her recent 90th birthday celebrations and shared the thoughts that flashed through her mind
Dame Mary explained how she bit her lip in a candid confession about Prince William(Image: Karwai Tang, WireImagevia Getty Images)
Former Great British Bake Off legend Dame Mary Berry confessed “I had to bite my lip” when Prince William made a surprise appearance at her 90th birthday celebrations.
Dame Mary, who is considered one of Britain’s culinary treasures, witnessed celebrities and royals unite to celebrate her milestone birthday.
The baking legend reached 90 in March this year and she was celebrated on The One Show. She was left clearly shocked when the future king emerged on screen to deliver his congratulations.
She revealed a candid glimpse into what was racing through her mind as His Royal Highness Prince of Wales appeared on screen. She told Saga magazine: “I had to bite my lip, because you feel, ‘Oh my goodness gracious me!’
Dame Mary reflected on Prince William’s kind words during an episode of The One Show (Image: Chris Jackson, Getty Images)
“I was completely overwhelmed. I thought, ‘I must pull myself together’.”
Dame Mary also offered a peek into the moments she has enjoyed with the Prince of Wales, revealing that he’s not shy about unleashing his competitive streak: “I mean, to see Prince William on the screen saying that I had taught him all he knew about cooking… well! I’ve done quite a few things with him and gosh, he’s competitive. So is Catherine.”
During Dame Mary’s special feature on the BBC programme, Prince William said: “Hi Mary, I want to wish you a very happy 90th birthday, you’re a true national treasure and we’ve loved working with you over the years.”
He added: “Have a fantastic day today, I dread to think who’s cooking your cake and the criticisms they might get, but good luck and I hope it goes really well.”
She was given a damehood in 2021(Image: WPA Pool, Getty Images)
The TV star’s journey to stardom began in her twenties when she briefly left England for France to study at the esteemed Le Cordon Bleu school in Paris.
Her first major TV break came in 1975, at the age of 40, when she appeared alongside Judith Chalmers on Afternoon Plus.
Dame Mary is best known for her time on the Great British Bake Off(Image: John Phillips, Getty Images for the NTA’s)
She has since published a range of cookery books, many of which have achieved bestseller status upon release. In 2013, she also penned her first memoir.
Despite numerous TV appearances over the years, she is undoubtedly most recognised for her role on the Great British Bake Off, where she served as a host alongside fellow judge Paul Hollywood from 2010 until her departure in 2016.
It comes after the TV star’s husband was rushed to hospital after a recent fall left him with broken ribs.
The TV cook and author has been married to 93-year-old Paul for almost 60 years. Asked about their relationship by Saga magazine, she said: “He’s just had a tumble with broken ribs. I’m very sympathetic about that. But he’s getting better day by day. Soon we’ll have him back to his own old self.’”