Mary Berry’s royal icing
THE ROYAL Family are very lucky and “must give back”, Prince William tells cookery star Mary Berry in her Christmas TV special.
He also pays tribute to his grandparents the Queen and Prince Philip, saying they are the “epitome of public service”.
The BBC last night revealed details of A Berry Merry Christmas, to be screened later this month. It sees William and Kate invite the cook to join them at four key royal engagements.
While visiting Passage, a homeless charity where the Duke of Cambridge is a patron, Mary asks the Prince about why he gets involved.
He replies: “Growing up, both of my parents were hugely charitable. My father set up the Prince’s Trust. He’s involved in so many different organisations.
“My mother has done her work with homelessness and Aids and other charities and I think I’ve grown up in a household which has been very much a case of, ‘Well, we’re very lucky – you must give back’.”
William’s comments come after a torrid year for the royals but he tells Mary they are made of stern stuff.
He says: “My grandmother becoming Queen at a very young age, in the days when it was a man’s world, it was very difficult for her to make a difference. And she’s done it. In her own very unique, distinct way, and you know, my grandmother and my grandfather together are the epitome of public service.”
The Duke of Cambridge also speaks openly about how his charitable work affects him.
He says: “I personally get a lot out of helping people.
“I find that you hear and you understand and you learn so much more by giving a bit of your time, a bit of your day, to just be around.”
Mary is seen accompanying the Duchess of Cambridge on a visit to Liverpool’s The Brink, the UK’S first dry bar set up by charity Action on Addiction.
The pair also go behind the scenes at RHS Wisley to learn more about Kate’s commitment to raising the next generation of “happy, healthy children”.
Mary is taken on a tour of Wisley’s new play garden, which was inspired by one the Duchess co-designed at this year’s Chelsea Flower Show.
Nadiya Hussain, who won the 2015 series of Great British Bake Off, makes a guest appearance on the programme. The cooks and royals are seen showing off their Christmas meringue roulades.
Former Bake Off judge Mary said before recording the special: “I am honoured the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have invited me to join them on four of their royal charity engagements this Christmas.
“It will be truly special to see the causes so close to their hearts.
“The finale is a big Christmas party and I will be cooking up a feast for them to enjoy.”
● A Berry Royal Christmas,
BBC One, Monday 16 December, 8.30pm.