Mary Berry thinks the Queen should retire
Dame Mary Berry thinks the Queen should take a step back from her royal duties.
The 86-year-old 'Great British Bake Off' presenter was recently awarded a damehood for her services to broadcasting and wasn't too disappointed when the medal was handed to her by Prince Charles at Windsor Castle rather than the monarch.
When asked if she'd rather have met the Queen, she said: "No, I don't think she should do anymore. Let one of the young ones do it!"
The veteran chef, baker and writer also gushed about the day itself, admitting that the damehood itself came as a massive shock.
Speaking to the Sunday Times Magazine, Mary said: "It was such an incredible honour - Prince Charles was absolutely charming. If you had asked me a few years ago if I would be a dame, I would have said 'Not in a million years!."
The television star - who has appeared on screens since the 1970s - also opened up about the bittersweet nature of the honour, admitting that she wished some of her loved ones were still around to see it.
Mary said: "I just wish my parents and brothers were here to share my joy. My only achievement in school was just one O Level in cookery! But I'm certain they were looking down, smiling on the day."
It comes as Mary is set to launch her new show - 'Mary Berry: Love to Cook - on BBC Two later this month, with the programme being complemented by a spin-off cookbook.
In a statement, she said: "Love To Cook is me in a nutshell! My cooking is all about sharing what I know and love, teaching and inspiring everyone to enjoy cooking as much as I do. Over the past year many have had unexpected time on their hands at home and have found a love of cooking to be comforting and healing in very difficult times."
