Beloved television personality Dame Mary Berry has opened up about her profound appreciation for her husband of nearly six decades, describing herself as "lucky" to still have him by her side despite his increasing frailty.
A Partnership Spanning Six Decades
The former Great British Bake Off judge, now 90 years old, has been married to Paul John March Hunning for almost 60 years. The couple, who reside in Henley-on-Thames, have built a life together that includes their two children, Thomas, 57, and Annabel, 55.
Speaking candidly at the Yeovil Literary Festival this week, Mary revealed that many of her contemporaries have lost their partners, making her appreciate her own marriage even more. Paul, a 93-year-old retired antique bookseller, has become increasingly "frail and forgetful" in recent years, requiring constant companionship to ensure his safety.
"I am lucky to have him because so many of my girlfriends have not got their husbands," Mary confessed to the audience. "But I have got one. He is forgetful but he is lovely."
Family Support System
The celebrated chef admitted she dislikes being away from Paul for extended periods. When filming BBC programmes or promoting her cookbooks across the UK, she makes every effort to return home each evening. On the rare occasions when overnight stays are unavoidable, their daughter Annabel steps in to provide care.
"I am very lucky to have a husband who says 'You enjoy it. Off you go!' but I am rarely away for the night," Mary explained. "When I am, my darling daughter will be there to cook his supper and keep an eye that he doesn't topple over because he is 93."
Mary shared an amusing anecdote about Paul's complete lack of kitchen skills, recalling how he once offered her sister-in-law wine rather than attempting to make tea. "My husband, as he always says, has other qualities," she joked while promoting her new book, Mary At 90.
Secrets to Longevity and Happiness
The nonagenarian also revealed the simple rules that have helped her maintain good health into her tenth decade. Mary avoids second helpings and acknowledges she eats less nowadays, unlike Paul who enjoys "little-and-often snacks like biscuits out of the tin when I am not looking."
Her guilty pleasures include Pringles and toast with marmalade, which she sometimes enjoys with her evening glass of wine. She noted with humour that "the glass is getting bigger" over time.
In a surprising revelation, Mary previously admitted she wasn't always completely faithful in the early days of their relationship. When they first met through her brother, she maintained "several" boyfriends in Bath while seeing Paul in London, wanting to "keep her options open."
Despite this unconventional beginning, their marriage has endured through nearly six decades, becoming a testament to commitment and mutual support in later life. Mary's reflections offer a poignant reminder of the value of long-term partnership, especially as couples navigate the challenges of advanced age together.
