Dame Mary Berry says ‘respect’ is the most important thing for a lasting marriage
The British cook has revealed her secret to a lasting marriage ahead of her 90th birthday celebration
Dame Mary Berry has said “respect” is the most important thing for a successful marriage.
The British cook revealed her secret to marital bliss ahead of her 90th birthday, and advised not to go to bed “on a quarrel”.
Speaking to British Vogue, the former Great British Bake Off presenter said she had never raised her voice at her husband, Paul Hunnings, a long-retired book dealer who she married in 1966.
Mary Berry, with husband Paul Hunnings, after being made a Dame Commander by the Prince of Wales
Dame Mary, who left Bake Off in 2016 when the series moved from the BBC to Channel 4, said: “Love, of course, but respect is so important.
“And I don’t count the decades too closely.
“We never raise our voices at each other because, you know, we love each other.
“If I’m a bit miffed, I very often think, ‘Well, I’m not gonna say that right now’.
“I’ll go to the greenhouse and do some cuttings.”
She added: “Happiness is very, very important, but it can be elusive sometimes. You have to look after it.”
She and her husband have children Thomas and Annabel, as well as a son named William who died in a car crash in 1989 when he was 19.
She said: “It’s absolutely amazing in my 90th year to think that William died all that time ago.
“If he walked in that door over there, I would say: ‘Where have you been?’ It wouldn’t surprise me at all.”
“It was a huge tragedy, but we did have two more children.
“We always think we were fortunate to have had him for 19 years.
“We still talk about him – the grandchildren particularly, the boys who love rugby.”
Bella Ramsey covers British Vogue’s April Issue
Dame Mary has written more than 80 cookery books, becoming a UK household name for her recipes and tips.
She was made a Dame Commander by the Prince of Wales in 2021 for a lifetime of cooking, writing and baking.
In December, she was announced the winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Women In Film And Television Awards.
The full interview can be read in the April Issue of British Vogue.
The Press Association
Latest posts by The Press Association (see all)
- George Foreman: The great who went from juvenile delinquent to national treasure - March 22, 2025
- Comic Relief to celebrate 40 years with action-packed Red Nose Day - March 21, 2025
- Dame Mary Berry says ‘respect’ is the most important thing for a lasting marriage - March 20, 2025
- Former Top Gear presenters lead tributes to Formula One ‘legend’ Eddie Jordan - March 20, 2025
- Salmon tikka bowls with quick fennel and cabbage pickle - March 20, 2025
