Kate Middleton and Prince William team up with Mary Berry for a BBC Christmas special
Royal couple help prepare festive food for those working and volunteering over the Christmas period
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are teaming up with Mary Berry for a new BBC Christmas special.
On Saturday, Prince William and Kate Middleton shared a series of photographs from the forthcoming program, titled A Berry Royal Christmas, in which Berry accompanies the royal couple as they visit a number of charities they are involved with.
The special then culminates with William and Kate helping the cooking legend to prepare food for a festive party for staff and volunteers who will be working over the Christmas period.
In the special, the duke and duchess take the former Great British Bake Off judge to meet some of the people whose lives have been changed for the better by the help of charities including The Brink, the UK’s first dry bar set up by Action on Addiction which provides a safe space for people who are suffering from addiction.
Kate also takes the 84-year-old behind-the-scenes at RHS Wisley, home of her “Back to Nature” garden which is a crucial part of her efforts to encourage children to experience the benefits of the great outdoors.
Meanwhile, the special sees William bring Berry with him to homelessness charity The Passage, which is the UK’s largest resource centre for homeless and insecurely housed people.
During the episode, Mary asks William here his motivation for charitable work all started, to which the duke responds: “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, as you said, 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 adds that the Queen has made a difference “in her own very unique, distinct way” and describes his grandmother and my grandfather as “the epitome of public service”.
“I personally get a lot out of helping people,” the duke continues.
“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.”
The hour-long show ends with the Christmas party, hosted by William and Kate and some special guests, including Bake Off winner Nadiya Hussain, who show their appreciation for the staff and volunteers from charities and organisations who will be working over the Christmas period.
Mary said that she felt “honoured” that the royal couple invited her to join them on their engagements this Christmas, adding: “It will be truly special to see the causes so close to their hearts, as well as to hear all about the amazing support these charities provide.
“The finale is a big Christmas party and I will be cooking up a feast for them to enjoy.”
A Berry Royal Christmas airs 16 December at 8:30pm on BBC One.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments