Mary Berry opens up about heartbreaking personal tragedy in royal TV show with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge
Mary Berry joined forces with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge for a festive special, where she also opened up about losing her son William when he was just 19-years-old.
The baking legend featured in A Berry Royal Christmas, a one-off programme where she helped Prince William and Duchess Catherine showcase the wonderful work they have been doing with some of the charities they’re patrons of.
On her way to meet Prince William at the homeless charity he supports – The Passage – Mary confessed to be less nervous as she already knows the royal because they’re both patrons of Child Bereavement UK.
“Prince William lost his mother at a very vulnerable age,” she says, “And we lost our son, aged 19, in a car accident. So, we both know what it is to be without someone very special.
“Christmas for us always holds mixed emotions and I try to think of other who might not be having the best time."
This is not the first time the former Great British Bake Off has spoken about the pain of losing a son.
Sign up for the woman&home newsletter
Sign up to our free daily email for the latest royal and entertainment news, interesting opinion, expert advice on styling and beauty trends, and no-nonsense guides to the health and wellness questions you want answered.
For the The One More Minute campaign campaign, Mary said in a very poignant video, “If I could have one more minute with William, what would I say to him?”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FL_eX30bbQE
With her voice breaking in emotion, the star, who is also mum to daughter Annabel and son Thomas, continued, “I would thank him for being a brilliant son.”
READ MORE: Viewers spot ‘iconic’ moment between the Duchess of Cambridge and Mary Berry in new show
She’s also previously opened up about how she found out her son had sadly died.
“It was about 1pm. The doorbell rang and a policeman was there. Immediately, I knew why.
“He said, ‘There’s been an accident and I’m sorry to say your son is dead’.”
Continuing the explain how she and her husband Paul went to say goodbye to him in hospital, Mary said, “He just looked so beautiful and so lovely, his little cold face and it was nice to say farewell.”
Mariana is the managing editor of woman&home. She has previously worked for lifestyle titles including GoodtoKnow covering all aspects of women’s lifestyle - from the Royal Family, beauty and fashion to wellness and travel. She was nominated for AOP Digital Journalist of the Year in 2020, and for New Digital Talent of the Year at the 2016 PPA Digital Awards. She’s mildly obsessed with TV (reality TV shows included) and spends far too much time planning her next trip away.
-
8 best plants for privacy – for beautiful, botanical screening in your garden
These are some of the very best plants for privacy, from structural shrubs to flowering climbers
By Holly Crossley Published
-
The significant family event Meghan Markle has always missed out on since becoming a royal
The Duchess of Sussex has always missed out on one particular royal occasion over the years despite experiencing so many others
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Catherine, Princess of Wales reveals she's undergoing cancer treatment in poignant new video
The Princess of Wales has shared a touching video message and revealed that she is in the 'early stages' of treatment
By Mariana Cerqueira Published
-
This Longchamp tote lookalike that's just like Kate Middleton and Princess Anne's favourite is a bargain buy that'll serve you all year round
The Princess of Wales and Princess Anne are huge fans of the classic Longchamp Le Pliage and this timeless alternative is so affordable
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
32 candid photos of Kate Middleton that show her goofy and light-hearted side, from relatable mum moments to hilarious courtside reactions
She is usually the picture of perfection, but even the Princess of Wales has been snapped in a few candid moments that show that she's just one of us...
By Jack Slater Published
-
32 times Kate Middleton nailed the Quiet Luxury look
From cosy cashmere to perfect tailoring, Kate Middleton always gets the Quiet Luxury trend right
By Hannah Holway Published
-
Kate Middleton made subtle change that proves she 'means business', fashion expert says
Catherine made a subtle style change to be 'taken seriously' when she took on a new role, according to a fashion expert
By Caitlin Elliott Published
-
Duchess Sophie's selfless sacrifice left Queen Elizabeth 'so fond of her' - and Kate's been 'careful' to do the same
The Duchess of Edinburgh and Princess of Wales have both made the same sacrifice as senior royals and it's reportedly part of their 'success'
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
A look back at Prince William and Kate Middleton's best royal tour moments
A royal visit from Prince William and Kate Middleton is always bound to be memorable, and these are some of our favourite moments from the Wales' trips around the world
By Jack Slater Published
-
Kate Middleton and Prince William's awkward mistake as they broke royal protocol at special family gathering
Prince William and Kate's awkward mistake came in 2018 when they broke protocol - but it was apparently for a very relatable reason
By Emma Shacklock Published