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.
-
The White Company's Hypoallergenic Mattress Topper is surprisingly affordable and a dream to sleep on
The The White Company Hypoallergenic Comfort Topper offers a gentle, supportive layer to your sleep set-up for a surprisingly affordable price.
By Laura Honey Published
-
Gwyneth Paltrow’s classic pinstripe pyjamas will keep you cool and comfortable on warm nights
Chic and comfortable? Her stylish pyjama set is our new go-to
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
Prince George’s hilarious warning for TV star passed on by Prince William ahead of series cameo
The Prince of Wales has passed on a cheeky message from Prince George to the star of one of his new favourite shows
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton and Duchess Sophie prove that buying items you love in multiple colours can really pay off
They've shown that having your favourite pieces in several shades can be so handy if they're true to your signature style
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Remember Kate Middleton's baby pink McQueen suit? I've found a dreamy Mango lookalike
The Princess of Wales's pastel pink suit was a show-stopping spring outfit and I've found something very similar at Mango
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton addresses family move and why she and Prince William swapped London for Windsor
The Princess of Wales has explained why she and Prince William moved to Berkshire in 2022 and it makes complete sense
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
We never thought we’d love jewel tones in spring but Kate Middleton’s green St Patrick’s day outfit makes it look so elegant
The Princess of Wales stepped out on St Patrick's Day wearing a gorgeous bottle green coat and matching accessories
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
What wedges does Kate Middleton wear? Where to buy her summer shoe staples
Kate Middleton's wedges are an elegant option for the summer months and there are certain designs she's had in her collection for years
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
What Missoma earrings does Kate Middleton have? The two affordable go-tos the Princess of Wales wears on repeat
The Princess of Wales has an extensive royal jewellery collection but her affordable Missoma pieces are some of her most-worn
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton's pancake confession is one of the most relatable royal food revelations we've heard
The Princess of Wales once put her pancake flipping skills to the test at engagement and made a candid admission
By Emma Shacklock Published