Mary Berry Reveals the "Encouraging" Ways Prince William Has Given Kate Middleton Confidence

Prince William wearing a dark suit sitting next to Kate Middleton and looking at her, smiling, as she talks and gestures with her hands — (Image credit: Getty Images)

Dame Mary Berry might be the queen of baking, but she also knows a thing or two about the Royal Family. In an interview with the Daily Mail on October 4, Berry—who was appointed a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2021—spoke about her fondness for Prince William and Princess Kate. The former Great British Bake Off host has worked with the Prince and Princess of Wales on several occasions over the years, and she told the publication how much she admires Prince William in particular.

"I mean he's really such a wonderful man, you know," Berry said. "We're so lucky with our royalty, aren't we?" Referencing Prince William's work with the homeless, she added, "He slept on the streets, you know. He wants to find out about how everybody is in the country. He lives for all of us. I admire him. He sets an example."

The Prince of Wales has known Berry for more than a decade, as they both serve as patrons of the charity Child Bereavement UK. Princess Kate teamed up with Berry at the 2019 Back to Nature festival at RHS Garden Wisley, and both the Prince and Princess of Wales joined the baking expert for her 2019 BBC special, A Very Berry Christmas.

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Kate Middleton wearing a green blazer walking next to Prince William, in a a brown sweater, putting his hand on her back — The Prince and Princess of Wales are pictured in April 2025.

Mary Berry and Kate Middleton wearing floral dresses standing in a garden — Mary Berry shared a sweet moment with Princess Kate in 2019.

Having spent time with the couple, Berry pointed out the loving nature the Prince of Wales has, sharing, "There's always a little arm around the back, encouraging her. Early on when she started doing public life, he would chip in and say something really nice and encouraging, you know? He's obviously immensely proud of her."

Prince William shares the same fond feelings for Berry, who turned 90 in March. In a special video message, he said, "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."

"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," he added, with Berry holding back tears as she watched the clip on BBC's The One Show.

As for Prince William and Kate, Berry honored their dedication to the people of Britain, telling the Daily Mail, "They give us—well, they give their life to all of us."

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Kristin Contino is Marie Claire's Senior Royal and Celebrity editor. She's been covering royalty since 2018—including major moments such as the Platinum Jubilee, Queen Elizabeth II’s death and King Charles III's coronation—and places a particular focus on the British Royal Family's style and what it means.

Prior to working at Marie Claire, she wrote about celebrity and royal fashion at Page Six Style and covered royalty from around the world as chief reporter at Royal Central. Kristin has provided expert commentary for outlets including the BBC, Sky News, US Weekly, the Today Show and many others.

Kristin is also the published author of two novels, “The Legacy of Us” and “A House Full of Windsor.” She's passionate about travel, history, horses, and learning everything she can about her favorite city in the world, London.