Prince William was among the notable figures sending warm wishes to Dame Mary Berry on her milestone birthday this Monday.
Prince William, 42, referred to the TV chef as a “national treasure” and humorously expressed his concern about who would be making her birthday cake.
Dame Mary is celebrating her 90th birthday on March 24, and her “extraordinary life and career” will be honored in a special episode of the BBC’s The One Show airing on Monday.
In a message featured on Scott Mills’ BBC Radio 2 breakfast show, William said: “Hi Mary. I want to wish you a very happy 90th birthday. You are a true national treasure, and we’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with you over the years. Have a fantastic day today. I dread to think who’s making your cake and the criticism they might face, but good luck, and I hope it turns out wonderfully.”
The Prince and Princess of Wales have had several encounters with the Queen of Baking over the years. In September 2019, Kate attended the Back to Nature festival at RHS Wisley alongside Dame Mary, arriving together on a tractor before decorating cupcakes.
Later in 2019, William and Kate teamed up with the TV personality for A Berry Royal Christmas on BBC One, where they competed to create a festive roulade. Dame Mary diplomatically refrained from declaring a winner, stating that both of their creations were equally scrumptious.
When the royal couple tried their hand at making Welsh cakes in Pontypridd in February, William remarked about his culinary skills, “Mary Berry taught me everything I need to know.”
This video message will also be featured on The One Show during the special episode, where presenters Alex Jones and Roman Kemp will discuss Dame Mary’s life and career.
William’s birthday greeting comes just before the children’s Easter holiday break from school.
Additionally, The One Show will showcase celebrity guests, including Claudia Winkleman, the presenter of The Traitors, as well as former The Great British Bake Off hosts Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins.
Dame Mary departed from Bake Off in 2016 when the show transitioned from the BBC to Channel 4. She has authored over 80 cookbooks, securing her status as a UK household name with her recipes and cooking tips. In 2021, she was appointed a Dame Commander by the Prince of Wales in recognition of her lifetime of contributions in cooking, writing, and baking.
