Dame Mary Berry has offered a charming insight into the lives of Kate Middleton and Prince William, confirming their shared competitive spirit that sees them go head-to-head on royal engagements and even influences their family dynamics, making them all the more captivating to follow.
The public persona of Prince William and Kate Middleton often highlights their dedication to duty and their poised demeanor. However, a recent revelation from a beloved friend offers a delightful peek behind the royal curtain, confirming a trait that many fans have long suspected: both the Prince and Princess of Wales are fiercely competitive.
This charming insight comes from none other than Dame Mary Berry, the renowned T.V. chef and baking expert. In a new interview with Saga magazine, Berry shared her observations, stating, “I’ve done quite a few things with him and, gosh, he’s competitive. So is Catherine.” This candid comment has resonated with royal enthusiasts, who appreciate glimpses of the couple’s more relatable, human side.
A Royal Endorsement and a Sweet Bond with Mary Berry
Berry’s reflections on the royal couple were sparked by a touching tribute she received from Prince William himself. Earlier this year, during her 90th birthday celebration, William recorded a surprise message, affectionately calling her a “true national treasure.” Berry recounted her reaction to Saga, admitting she was “totally overcome” and had to “bite my lip” upon hearing the Prince credit her with teaching him all he knew about cooking.
This mutual admiration isn’t new. The royal couple famously appeared alongside Berry in a 2019 Christmas special episode of The Great British Bake Off. It was during this appearance that Kate shared an adorable anecdote about their youngest son, Prince Louis, whose first word was “Mary” because her cookbooks were at his height in the kitchen bookshelf, with her face prominently displayed on them.
From Spin Bikes to Beer Pong: Documenting the Royal Rivalry
Prince William and Princess Kate, both 43, have a well-documented history of engaging in playful contests during their royal engagements. This competitive streak provides amusing moments for the public and a relatable dynamic that fans enjoy observing. Their past face-offs include:
- Spin Biking: Racing each other on spin bikes.
- Charity Sailing Races: Leading opposing teams in sailing competitions.
- Cocktail Mixing: Testing their mixology skills head-to-head.
- Rolling Dough Balls: A culinary challenge where Kate often emerges victorious.
- Potato Apple Bread Making: Most recently on October 14, 2025, during a visit to Northern Ireland, where William cheekily told Kate to “keep up” as she lagged behind.
- Apple Picking: On the same October 14, 2025 visit, Kate, who filled her basket quicker, playfully warned William, “don’t drop the fruit.”
The Middleton Family Trait: Even William Can’t Escape It
The extent of Kate‘s competitiveness was playfully highlighted during a 2023 appearance on “The Good, The Bad & The Rugby” podcast, hosted by Mike Tindall, who is married to William‘s cousin Zara. Tindall sarcastically remarked, “I’m not going to say you’re uber competitive,” to which Princess Kate coyly responded, “I’m not competitive at all.” Tindall quickly debunked her denial with a humorous, “I’ve seen her play beer pong!”
This competitive spirit seems to run in the Middleton family. Kate’s younger brother, James Middleton, once revealed that Prince William would often find excuses, such as walking James‘s dog Ella, to avoid family game nights because the Middletons were so intensely competitive. This suggests that even the future King finds the Middleton family’s game night intensity a challenge to match, as reported by People.
The trait has also been passed down to their children, with 10-year-old Princess Charlotte reportedly inheriting her mother’s competitive nature. Nigel Gillingham, president of the Rugby Football Union, previously told People that “apparently Charlotte is very much in her mold — very competitive as well.”
Why This Matters to Fans
For fans, these insights into Kate and William‘s competitive streak are invaluable. It humanizes the royal couple, showing them as individuals with relatable personalities and healthy rivalries. It adds an extra layer of enjoyment to their public appearances, as observers look for moments where their playful competition might shine through. This dynamic reinforces their image as a strong, united couple who, despite their royal duties, share a genuine and engaging relationship, much like any other family.
