PA MediaThe Prince of Wales has joked with Dame Mary Berry that he “dreads to think” who will be cooking her cake as she turns 90 and called her a “national treasure” in a birthday message.
Dame Mary is celebrating the milestone birthday on March 24, and her “extraordinary life and career” will also be celebrated during a special episode of the BBC’s The One Show on Monday evening.
In a message played 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 loved working with you over the years. Have a fantastic day today.
“I dread to think who’s cooking your cake and the criticism they might get, but good luck and I hope it goes really well.”
PA MediaWilliam and Kate appeared with Dame Mary on A Berry Royal Christmas on BBC One in 2019, which saw the celebrity cook join the couple on a number of royal visits, and they showed off their culinary skills under Dame Mary’s watchful eye.
The video message will also be shown on The One Show: Dame Mary Berry, A Celebration At 90, which airs at 7pm on BBC One, as presenters Alex Jones and Roman Kemp speak to Dame Mary about her life and career.
But speaking to Mills on Monday morning, Welsh TV presenter Jones said the episode was “a lovely chance to celebrate a woman who, you know the word icon Scott, it’s thrown around isn’t it, but I think Dame Mary is a true icon”.
She added: “She’s top of her game, such an inspiration when it comes to being a working woman, and more than that she’s just a really lovely friend.”
After Mills played the message from William on air, Jones said: “I mean there were tears before we’d even started… honestly she was blown away, it’s worth watching just to see her lovely reaction to that.
“I mean she can’t even believe it, of course we all know it’s so well-deserved but Mary’s reaction was priceless and that’s just the beginning Scott.”
PA MediaThe One Show will also feature celebrity guests including The Traitors presenter Claudia Winkleman, as well as former The Great British Bake Off presenters Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins.
There will also be birthday messages from Dame Joanna Lumley, Bake Off judge Paul Hollywood, Great British Menu presenter Andi Oliver and Death In Paradise star Don Warrington.
Dame Joanna says: “Happy 90th birthday darling Dame Mary Berry… you are literally the most beautiful woman on the planet… I think you’re absolutely fabulous. Cheers sweetie!”
Chef Oliver tells her: “My favourite recipe of yours is your Victoria sponge. Classic, British, beautiful – just like you!”
The episode also includes a message from Dame Mary’s husband, Paul Hunnings, whom she has been married to since 1966.
PA MediaTV chef Jamie Oliver was also among those sending Dame Mary wishes, posting on Instagram: “Happy 90th Birthday to the one and only @DameMaryBerry !! I think I can safely say on behalf of all of us, you are a true inspiration!!
“Lovely people please send lots of birthday love her way and she’s just joined Instagram too so make sure you give her a follow! Big love joxx”.
Dame Mary left Bake Off in 2016 when the series moved from the BBC to Channel 4.
She has written more than 80 cookery books, becoming a UK household name for her recipes and tips, and was made a Dame Commander by the then Prince of Wales, Charles, in 2021 for a lifetime of cooking, writing and baking.
Dame Mary has starred as a judge on BBC One’s Britain’s Best Home Cook and fronted shows including Classic Mary Berry and Mary Berry’s Simple Comforts.
The One Show host Jones said in a statement: “This programme is utterly magical, the love for Mary in this special edition of The One Show is simply beautiful – it’s such a lovely celebration for someone who has been an inspiration to us all.
“We are thrilled to have marked her birthday in such a special way. Happy birthday Mary.”
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