Prince William has been praised as a “wonderful man” by TV cooking legend Dame Mary Berry who gushed about the future King’s “encouraging” gesture towards Princess Kate.

The 90-year-old former Great British Bake Off presenter, who received her damehood in 2021, shared insights gained from multiple encounters with the Prince and Princess of Wales over the years.

Reflecting on her experience with the Waleses, Dame Mary glowed: “We’re so lucky with our royalty, aren’t we?

“I mean he’s really such a wonderful man, you know.”

The 90-year-old highlighted the Prince of Wales’s commitment.

Referencing his work with homeless communities, she noted: “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.”

Chief among the future King’s admirable features to the TV cook was his tenderness to his wife, Princess Kate.

Dame Mary Berry has expressed her admiration for ‘wonderful’ Prince William

“There’s always a little arm around the back, encouraging her,” she revealed.

Dame Mary particularly recalled the Princess’s early days in royal service, noting how William would offer timely support.

“Early on when she started doing public life, he would chip in and say something really nice and encouraging, you know?” she observed.

“He’s obviously immensely proud of her,” the 90-year-old told the Daily Mail.

Dame Mary and the royal couple’s connection extends back over a decade through their shared patronage of Child Bereavement UK.

Their professional relationship has included several high-profile collaborations, notably when the Princess joined the baker at the 2019 Back to Nature festival at RHS Garden Wisley.

The couple also appeared alongside the baking expert in her 2019 BBC Christmas special, A Very Berry Christmas.

A mutual respect between Dame Berry and Prince William was evident when he recorded a birthday message for her 90th celebrations in March.

The Prince of Wales and Dame Mary have worked together several times in the past

The TV cook was moved to tears when she was surprised with the video message when appearing on The One Show.

“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.

“Have a fantastic day today. 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.”