After he broke ribs, Mary Berry discusses her nearly 60-year marriage and nursing husband.
Dame Mary Berry is caring for her husband after a recent fall left him with broken ribs – but says it deepened their bond and made them even closer.
The TV cook and author has been married to 93-year-old Paul for almost 60 years. Asked about their relationship by Saga magazine, she said: “He’s just had a tumble with broken ribs. I’m very sympathetic about that. But he’s getting better day by day. Soon we’ll have him back to his own old self.’
I’ve been in love with my husband for a long time. He’s not doing well right now in his dotage. Because he is so appreciative, it’s a pure pleasure to watch him. You’re aware that as a child, he always comes first.
He appreciates the things I do for him and is now very thoughtful. I must do more, but it’s a pleasure. Many of your friends are no longer here, which saddens you 90.
They are dying, so I have many girlfriends who don’t get a husband like I do, which is very sad for them.
When Paul, a former owner of an antique book, returns to exercise, he and Mary play croquet twice weekly.
Mary continued, “I absolutely adore it.” “My husband is superior to me.” He played rugby for the Saracens and is a sportsman. I told him I would play croquet because he’s 93 and he already decided to. Although we work together, it’s great that I’m not as good as him.
She insisted she is keen to stay active, adding: “My mother was 105 when she died, so I’ve got pretty good genes. I’m immensely grateful for that. My fitness routine is to walk the dogs. Darcey and Freddie are working cocker spaniels.”
The former Great British Bake Off judge Mary and Paul married in 1966, and she revealed in an interview earlier this month that the secret to a happy marriage was leaving when a disagreement was imminent.
She remarked, “Paul always believes that the key to our successful marriage is his saying, “Yes, dear,” to everything before going his own way. But we don’t argue. I open the back door to resolve any disagreements and simply leave with the option to pick up some flowers or get some apples. If you can leave, it’s amazing.
“Of course, that would be challenging if I were residing in a top-floor apartment.” However, we have mutual respect. And I have a very good fortune. He has grown accustomed to my appreciation and has mellowed as a result.
“I look after him, and it’s a pleasure to do so. I made the promise to do that. For better or worse, for the rich or the poor. And our time is very enjoyable.
* The full interview with Mary is in the November issue of Saga Magazine. Mary will be back on screen later this month in BBC series Mary at 90: A Lifetime of Cooking.
